Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch Thursday, January 7, 1993
Reflections for Corporal Betty Dunn Smothers
I knew you and your sister Mary well from our Alma Mater Scotlandville High School. You were a loving and devoted mother who did everything for your family. It's been 22 years but I can still see you parked in the yard. You will always be missed my friend, we love you.
Deborah Martin Retired
February 5, 2015
Even though it has been a long time, you are still not forgotten nor will your loss ever be forgotten.
Lt. Stephen Jackson Retired
Baton Rouge PD
January 9, 2015
Never forgotten.
Police Officer - -
Mesquite (TX) Police Department
January 7, 2015
Corporal Betty Dunn Smothers was a friend of mine. She was gunned down in the line of duty in 1993. She was a single mom of six children. Tonight I think of her short life as I think of the two officers that were executed today. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of these officers. My friend, Corporal Smothers, was a great police officer and a great mother. Her son, Warren Dunn went on to play professional football and I know his mom would have been proud of him and her other five children. This is why we teach our children that the uniform and the badge is to be respected and if there is a problem bring it home and we will take care of it.
Elizabeth Brown
December 20, 2014
Kind,friendly,funny
5,markiela sims
aunty,student
February 17, 2014
Remembering Betty today and throughout the years since she was taken from her friends and family. She was a remarkable mom, police officer, and community supporter! Still missed by so many of us.
Lt. Valerie Arnold (Retired)
Baton Rouge P.D.
January 7, 2014
RIP
Lt. Robert P. Glaser (Retired)
Baton Rouge Police Department
January 7, 2014
Betty,
I had a call from an officer in the northern part of the country that wanted to know more about you. I told him of the kindness, goodness, and your hard work for your children. It has been a long time but you are not forgotten.
Lt. Stephen Jackson (Retired)
Baton Rouge PD
November 11, 2013
Betty,
Betti, That was my mother's name, and I too lost my mom too early. I think my mother would be proud of me. But what I wanted to say to you is, I am reading your son Warrick Dunn's book, Running for my Life. So far, I have cried my eyes out because had I known you, we would have been friends. I love how kind and helpful you were to others. BUT, most importantly, you would be SO PROUD of Warrick and what he does for others. His foundation helps so many people. Rest in Peace Betty, your work here is done, and it continues on in your beautiful son, Warrick Dunn. Betty, you taught him well! God bless you!!!
Jackie Otto
Citizen in Florida
September 2, 2013
Hi Miss Betty,
I am recipient of your son's Home for the Holidays Program. As I pondered on what to say to him in my thank you letter, something just said "read his book." And that is what led me to you. As I read, I cried and as I cried, I smiled. Such a beautiful lady, with such a beautiful spirit and a heart to match. The book is so detailed, I started to visualize you doing some of the things your son spoke of. Not to make it long and drawn out so I will say this, thank you Miss Betty.. thank you for raising a man, thank you for living a life of service and being a woman of such merits. Through you, your son is fulfilling the dream of single parents, working to own a home for thier families. Providing for them a fresh start, and new beginnings. He is such a blessing and you truly blessed him with your gracee.. so my thanks will go to you first Miss Betty, for without you, there would no such man as your son... Continue to sleep peacefully, beautiful.
Humbly,
C. Cannada
C. Cannada
WDC Recipient #119
February 8, 2013
Mrs. Corporal Smothers, I reflect back and think about you always and other fallen Officers all that i can remember. I want you to know that my heart still gose out to you and your family and the manger that were with you. I still can fill the some filling that i felt all those years ago.Well you RIP and we all will keep praying. Really! Things are not all that guud with other ppl on this earth. Pray helps me and may be others. OH ya! We have a very guud PRESIDENT.
Deidra Joseph
Fan
February 5, 2013
I had heard of your story several years ago after seeing your son on TV during an interview while he was in the NFL. It is really inspiring to witness the man he has become. I recently heard another news report of all the things he is doing to help others, and it reminded me of your story. So I am taking the time to visit and reflect on your memory to offer a simple God Bless. Though the years may pass you can believe you will never be forgotten. And I know this personally.
Son of Fallen Officer Waverly L. Brown, Nyack PD, EOW 10/20/81
Gregory Brown Frmr Federal LEO (Retired)
November 19, 2012
I remember when I first moved to BR you were the talk of the town I wish someone would rewrite history again so you can be here watching your grandkids. I never had the pleasure of meeting your children but they have turned out to be fine young Men and Women. I guess all I am saying is I am sorry u are not here to let Warrick spoil you..You are a hero
Etta
none
June 10, 2011
I will never forget that day in January 1993. I remember it being very foggy as i stood by the Riverside Centroplex in Baton Rouge, La looking back from where our cruiser was parked and I could see cars for days.The people that stood along the highway bidding you farewell was unbelievable. It was something i'd never seen before. Corporal Betty Dunn Smothers , I never knew you before this day but your death put an impact on all Law Enforcement near and far.
You are my hero.You paved the way for many men and women in blue and I know you look down upon us each and every day. I just want to say Thank You Corporal Betty D Smothers.
Take your rest now. You will never be forgotten.
Dpy Regina Pellerin Trinity
Lafayette Parish Sheriff Office
May 24, 2011
Time has passed and the deepest wounds never bleed and take the longest to heal. I was there that night and drove the ambulance to the OLOL hopital. I know that our God is watching over us and you are along side him. May God continue to bless and watch over your children and your spirit. You will not be forgotten.
Lt. Stephen Jackson (retired)
Baton Rouge Police Department
January 7, 2011
I walked into a neighborhood barnes and nobles looking for a joe paterno book and saw one written by and about a fine young man and his family.Being a cop and knowing some of the story I could not put it down until I read the second and third chapters.
As an officer out here in Phoenix Ive been to so many funerals over the last decade, many standing in 110 degree heat,but knowing it means something to the fallen officers family makes it all so worth it. Betty You did good, and we will always have the watch here in Phoenix and Im sure the Women and Men in blue Down there in Baton Rouge will be doing the same! See you in the Dept in the sky. Good jod Dunn's you made her proud!
Officer
Phoenix Police Dept,Arizona
October 11, 2010
Corp Betty Smothers, so many years has passed by and it seems like yesterday .I still remember.Thank you for leaving your legacy as men and women both wear this uniform.Thanks for your dedicated service.Work well done.Take your rest Corp Smothers.
Dpy Regina P Trinity
Lafayette Parish Sheriff Ofc
September 25, 2010
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I am sure you are proud of your children and the unique contributions each make to their community.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
January 7, 2010
Seventeen years ago you were taken from the one's you loved by cowards. We celebrate your memory today as the thousands of LEO's across this great nation work in your honor. I am from Tallahassee, FL and had the pleasure of enjoying the great gifts your son brought with him to Florida State. Corporal know that even though you are gone you will never be forgotten.
Ofc MJ Hammett
Greenville SC Police Department
January 7, 2010
Cpl. Smothers,
Maam, on today the 17th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Baton Rouge. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
January 7, 2010
Corporal Betty Smothers you did not die in vain.You are a hero and I know that you continue keeping watch on your brothers and sisters in blue as we continue walking the same beat.I want to thank you for paving the way for myself as well as other women and for the dedicated service that you have given.Take your rest Corporal Smothers."Well Done Thy Good And Faithful Servant".May You Rest in Peace.
Deputy Regina P Trinity
Lafayette Sheriff Department
June 5, 2009
Everyone writes their condolences and their apologies, which I give whole heartedly, but most importantly I want to say I am blessed to hear a story of God using such a tragic event to effect so many lives of others. Sometimes we dont understand why God allows things to happen in our lives when they do, but we forget that we as humans look at life differently than God. God looks at the future and what comes out of events while we just look at the sadness and burdens certain things cause. Miss Betty was a beauitful lady that had beautiful children, and I believe God knew exactly what He was doing. Mr. Dunn, you have affected so many lives by the way you have opened up yourself to so many and allowed so many in your life. You are a beautiful person as well. Your book made me cry in the first two chapters and I really am blessed to be able to read your story. To all of Miss Betty's children, Warrick, Samantha, Derrick, Bricson, Travis, and Summer, what beauitful and courageous people you are. I will always keep you all in my prayers and know that God is ALWAYS in the midst of everything. You know my best friend is a running back at our college and he told me this story that his pastor told him...There was a little boy in his room laying in his bed one night and he was very scared. So he yelled for his dad several times. Finally his dad came into the room and the little boy asked the dad to pick him up out of the bed and take him into the room with him. The dad gently said, No son, but i will lay down in the bed with you.
Sometimes God, just like that father hears us calling as we ask Him to take us out of a situation or make it go away...but as a Father, He jumps into the bed with us(into the time of sadness or struggle) and helps us face our deepest fears, struggles, losses, and times of need. You all are truely blessed and I know that I am everyone else are truely blessed to hear a story like yours. Your mother is watching over you everyday of your lives and one day you will all be reunited in the Lord's presence.
From a sister in Christ to my fellow brothers and sisters,
God bless you all.
-jessi a student at the University of Louisville
Jessica Spring
a sister in Christ
January 27, 2009
I recently had the great honor of meeting the wonderful son you raised.My neighbor was a recpient of the home for the holidays what he does is so magnificent I shook his hand and thanked him.god Bless you and may he keep your family safe
Anonymous
January 17, 2009
i have follwed your story for a while and been a fan of you sons for years.the best christmas present i got this year was warricks book.after reading it your death was heinus and though i didnt know you you were a remarkable woman and you raised 6 great beautiful children if a tenth of the people in the world were as good as you this would be a better world thank you for yor service and for the dunn smothers family stay strong and my prayers are with you and you are very strong individuals and your mom is a great role model and was a great mother and person.thank you for sharing her with us
Anonymous
January 9, 2009
GOD bless you and your family on this difficult day.
Thank you for the service you gave the ultimate sacrifice for.
Fellow Officer
Baton Rouge Police Department
January 7, 2009
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