Trumann Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Reflections for Patrolman Jonathan Richard Schmidt
Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
January 12, 2024
Schmidt,
You were one of a kind. Today has been ten years since you made the ultimate sacrifice, and it seems like it was yesterday. I hear stories weekly about you, your connection to the community, and the impact you made in your four years of service. We are fighting the good fight like you would want us to do. As Chief, I will always do my best for you. Thank you, my friend, for your service and your sacrifice.
Chief Jonathan Redman
Trumann Police Department
April 13, 2021
Patrolman Schmidt,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Trumann. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
April 13, 2021
Rest easy
Mark Mottola
April 15, 2020
I found out about Ofc. Schmidt on Police One Academy. I watched a video about the stop that took his life. Ofc. Schmidt quit a higher paying job to become a police officer. Where he was killed -it was the same town he grew up in. He joked with those that he pulled over in the incident. They all laughed. A simple stop. The driver was handcuffed for? Failure to appear. A misdemeanor charge for? Dog with no leash. Ofc. Schmidt was a hero. He shoved his Sgt. out of the way of gunfire to return gunfire. A simple stop that lead to tragedy. From a moment of laughing with the occupants of the vehicle to a matter of seconds that would end with that being the officers life. One of the stories that sticks with you. One of the occupants in the car went to school with Ofc. Schmidt. Blue Lives DO Matter!
Jerry Moore
Taylor Auxiliary Police
January 14, 2020
Rest in peace Patrolman Schmidt.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 8, 2019
John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.
A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen
September 20, 2018
Our prayers are with you and your family. You're never forgotten. Thank you for what you did to protect Arkansas communities. God bless
Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock
April 13, 2017
Only an demonic animal could shoot a police officer who posed absolutely no risk to him.
Citizen
March 2, 2017
Today is the fifth year of this brave man's terrible death. My heart goes out to his friends and family. I hope they can find a way to heal from this.
To Patrolman Schmidt, God bless you for your service in our law enforcement. Your courage and sacrifice will always be remembered. RIP
John Haseltine - Civilian
April 13, 2016
May God continue to watch over and protect Officer's Schmidt's wife and children. On Monday, May 12, 2014, members from my department had the distinct pleasure and honor to meet Officer Schmidt's wife as she arrived at the Reagan National Airport, as she arrived for this year's Police Week Memorial Ceremony. I am proud to have met her and to have been her escort. We embraced her as our family member. I salute you Officer Schmidt for your bravery and for serving as a brother in blue. May God continue to have favor over your life.
Captain Tyrone Collington
Takoma Park Police Department -MD
May 14, 2014
The video is gut wrenching. It saddens me to see this happen to such a brave selfless man. He died a hero, and God bless him and his family. I'm glad they're going to put the man that did this to death. He deserves worse. I hope this never happens again to any police officer but its unfortunate that such violent criminals will always be around. It's a wakeup call that shows you every traffic stop can turn deadly in seconds. Never let your guard down.
Police Officer John Monk
Del Rio Police Department , Del Rio Texas
May 9, 2014
The selfless act of Schmidt trying to save his Sgt. from being shot, while already severely wounded himself, says it all.
R.I.P. Brother
Detective
Sheriffs Office
March 10, 2014
Rest In Peace Brother. God Bless.
SA Lynch
USSS
August 1, 2013
You won't ever be forgotten, we love you and always will!
Brittany
friend
June 30, 2013
You are a true hero brother! Trumann PD lost a great Warrior and a fellow Sheepdog that night. This worthless excuse for a person will get his. Please watch and protect over us while we are on the streets. I have two fellow officers/friends guarding us from Heaven. Please tell Scott and Barry Hi for me! RIP Sir!
Deputy Sheriff Dan Parks
Santa Rose County Sheriff's Office, FL
June 8, 2013
I saw the dashcam video of this incident and I'm shocked!
You are a hero for me Jonathan!!!
Rest in Peace!
A. Schoenhofen
Private Citizen from Germany, Europe
April 19, 2013
R.I.P
Sergeant
NYPD
April 6, 2013
I just watched your Dash Cam Video and it hurt me the way things unfolded for you, However, I learned and gained much from it. May your soul rest in peace and your family be at peace. RIP
PO III M. Santiago III
CCPD
February 5, 2013
God called another true hero home! May all of us police officers be as heroic as you! May your memory live on forever! I will always honor a fallen hero like you as I put my police uniform on everyday!
Anonymous police officer from Illinois.
Patrol Dan
Buro pd
November 6, 2012
To Officer Schmidt, thank you for your sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten.
Officer Robert Brady
Huntsville Police Department, Alabama
September 1, 2012
My heart goes out to the Schmidt family.
Corporal Shannon Blackwood
Alexandria Police Department
August 28, 2012
Jonathan was one of the greatest people I've ever met. He and I went to police academy together in 2007. He never walked into a room without lighting the whole thing up. It was impossible to be around him and not be laughing or smiling. He was so special and a great friend. He is missed more and more every day. God Bless the jurors who gave Jerry Lard (the shooter) the sentence we believe he truly deserved. May they all have confidence that they have made the right choice. For all of Jonathan's family and friends, this is truly the justice we all prayed for. May it give us all, especially his wife and children, another avenue of closure following this horrific event. Rest in Peace and Love Jonathan.... You will be Forever in Our Hearts, Always on Our Minds!
Stephanie Vaughn (former Officer)
Police Academy Classmate and Friend
August 1, 2012
Rest in Peace my Brother in Blue! May God shine his light to you! Prayers to his family and friends! God Bless!
Ptl. Lesa R. Frady
Spring City Police Department
August 1, 2012
I just read where the individual responsible for your death and all the pain in the broken hearts left behind received the Death penalty. This individual gave up his right to live when he fired upon you and your partner and took your life. Some may not agree with me but if someone is willing to kill a police officer, a citizen has no chance against this person. Continue to look after all of your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.
Bob Gordon
Dep. Chief, Ret. Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
July 28, 2012
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