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Chief of Police Samuel Henderson Smith | LaFollette Police Department, Tennessee LaFollette Police Department, Tennessee

Chief of Police

Samuel Henderson Smith

LaFollette Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch: Thursday, May 14, 1914

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 37

Tour: 1 month

Badge # Not available

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 5/13/1914

Weapon: Gun; Unknown type

Suspect: Not available

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Chief Smith was shot and killed while attempting to break up a disturbance. A group of men had been arguing and shouting in front of a local church just before midnight. As Chief Smith attempted to quell the group one of the men opened fire, fatally shooting him in the chest.

The chief was taken to a nearby furniture store where two doctors provided aide. He succumbed to his wound shortly after midnight.

The suspect who shot Chief Smith fled the scene.

Chief Smith had served with the agency for 1 month. He was survived by his wife and five children.

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Most Recent Reflection

Samuel Henderson Smith was my grandfather. My father was 8
years old when his father was killed. My grandmother Josie
was left to raise 5 children alone. My father's life was
forever changed due to this tragedy, and my oldest brother
became a police officer himself, following in his grand-
father's footsteps. My brother retired as a police captain
in Franklin, TN. God bless all who have served, and those
who remember the fallen heroes.

Millie Westgerdes
Grandaughter
September 3, 2009

 

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