Patrolman David M. Smith
New Mexico State Police
New Mexico
End of Watch: Monday, August 6, 1984
Cause: Aircraft accident

Biographical Info
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman Smith and Patrolman Lowell Howard were killed in an aircraft accident while performing an aerial speed enforcement operation. After the operation ended the officers radioed that they were going to fly over the enforcement zone one last time. As they did so one of the aircraft wheels struck a powerline, causing the aircraft to strike the ground. Both officers were killed instantly.

Patrolman Smith had been with the agency for six years and was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.