Officer Down Memorial Page

Dear Jillian:

I never knew you in this life, and I know for sure it's my loss that I didnt. There is no doubt in my mind that your story has really affected me. There's just something about it that has really stuck with me. I come to this site from time to time to visit you and to read over your reflections. I'm not fully sure why. It breaks my heart everytime I come on here and read them. You are truly a hero. I say that to myself everytime I come on here. You are literally the definition of the word. I know you are in a better place. You have to be. You deserve it. One last thing, everytime we ride to a domestic where dispatch says, "the other unit can 10-22. Per the supplement, the male half is no longer on scene." I Always, Always think of you...every single time.
Goodnight Jillian.

PFC E. GONZALEZ #0049
BOWIE CITY PD. MARYLAND.
January 20, 2012

Always remembered & honored 4 her service & her ultimate sacrifice. A true hero.~ May the God of all comfort give His solace to all who loved her.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEO's
January 1, 2012

Jillian,
Although you were only on our shift for a short time, I miss your presence and your smile. I shed tears in pain but then remember that you are in the presence of God which brings joy to my heart. Thank you for watching over us.

I will continue to pray for you and your family.

#2451 APD
December 29, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service as a law enforcement officer. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. You were such a valiant young woman who truly defined the essence of protecting and serving. I am so sorry you lost your life at such a young age. Your family is in my heart's embrace today on this anniversary and their first Christmas without your physical presence.

Rest In Peace, Jillian.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 28, 2011

Jillian,
Today, is one year. I chose to ride for you in the Police Unity Tour last may. And I think about you everyday. You're family is in my heart and I know you are watching down one everyone. Rest in Peace Jillian <3

OFC Meredith Tisch
Hollywood P.D.
December 28, 2011

Rest in peace god bless you.

Lt J.P.
B.P.D.
December 28, 2011

Jillian, please watch over your family as this will be the hardest one for them. The first year without you. We know that you are there with them in their hearts and spirits. Merry Christmas Jillian. You will never be forgotten.

FF/PM Darren Burkhart
Pantego FD
December 24, 2011

Oh.. you're a Cop?? That's cool. I wanted to do that when I was a kid. What do you make?" "WHAT DO I MAKE?? I make holding your hand seem like the biggest thing in the world when someone just tried to hurt you. I make 5 minutes seem like a lifetime when I am fighting a suspect while waiting for back up. I make those annoying sirens seem like angels when you need them. I can make your children brea.........the when they stop. I make myself get out of bed at 3am to risk my life to save people I've never met. I make it possible to keep back the chaos everyday. I make going to work for your family's safety a duty that I will die for. I make myself work holidays, nights, during hurricanes, tornados and other disasters. Today I might make the ultimate sacrifice to save your life. I make a difference, what do you make?"

Officer Shelby Lynn Meza
Forth Worth Police Dept
December 13, 2011

Rest in peace sister, you earned your angel wings when you sacrificed your life to save that little girl..we've got the watch from here, and we will never forget you.

OKLEO

Anonymous
September 27, 2011

Sgt Jennifer S. Ross, what a poignant reflection. Your account only parallel the battle fields of war. Thank you, I get it as I taste my own tears.

Woman in uniform
September 24, 2011

Thank you Deputy Smith for your service, your courage under fire will remain a fine example of true heroism in my eyes.

Deputy Allen
Thurston County Sheriff
September 23, 2011

Rest in peace, Officer Smith. You are a true hero. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.


Greater love hath no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Friend of
USFS Officer Kris Fairbanks RIP 9/20/08
June 3, 2011

Thank You for your service and you will never be forgotten!

Connie Stephens
Homeland Security
May 23, 2011

Officer Jillian Smith,
I never met you nor did I know your name until I read this. It would've been an honor to have met someone as special as you. Let me start with this, words can not come to mind for what I want to say. The only thing that I can actually think of is YOU ARE A TRUE DEFINITION OF WHAT MAKES A HERO. I admire the bravery and the sacrifice you made to save a child, who had barely begun living her life. I too am a female police officer and to hear of the dedication and bravery you displayed, it brings tears to my eyes. To think there are still officers out there who would give anything to save another life. It is difficult in a world that targets officers as "corrupt" or "evil", but somehow the strong fighters can make it through the day and manage to come back only to face it all again.
My prayers go out to your friends, family, and all closest to you. My sister in blue, it goes without saying you are a hero. Your tour of duty is never over, because I believe you continue to watch over your brothers and sisters in blue as we overcome the difficulty we have to face each and everyday. I feel I can say this even without knowing you; To lose someone as wonderful as you, it is unbearable and heartbreaking. You have inspired many officers to follow a path of dedication, honor, and bravery. For this we are forever grateful.
WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR FALLEN HEROES.
My sister in blue, may you rest in peace. We've got it from here.

Officer J.V.B.
OPD
May 16, 2011

I read about you tragic but heroic efforts in Police magazine. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Police Officer Jillian Smith and to the entire Arlington Police Dept. RIP

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department
May 6, 2011

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Smith. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Jillian, she sounds like she was a great woman with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew her in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Jillian's life and the WOMAN that she was. Remember that Jillian's life was about so much more than the way she died. Jillian will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember her.

Officer Smith, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
April 17, 2011

We all miss you very much Jillian. Most of our class got together last night and your sister came out as well. I know you were with us.

Chris J
APD/Class 41
March 24, 2011

Officer Smith, your actions and bravery will never be forgotten. You are a true, hero and heroes lives forever. Here's to you, and here's to the little girl that you saved. May she have a bright and wonderful future. You paid the ultimate price, and you did so in honor. Rest easy now our sister in blue...we have the watch from here.

P/O Gonzalez #049
Bowie City Police, Bowie Maryland.
February 14, 2011

Jill I continue missing you everyday. I will never forget you. I will always remember your smile and your kindness.

Maryland Rushing
Charles Green's mother
February 12, 2011

This has touched my heart in such a way!! Thank you for your service and bravery Jillian. I know your parents are proud of you. RIP sweet young lady.

Nina Anderson-Detention Deputy
GCSO
January 30, 2011

MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OFFICER SMITH MAY HE ALLOW HER TO REST IN PEACE. OFFICER SMITH YOU REALLY ARE A TRUE HERO SAVING THAT LITTLE GIRL'S LIFE AND MAKING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR HER IS REALY WHAT BEING A COP IS ABOUT. YOU WERE NOT AN OFFICER FOR LONG BUT YOU SURE HAD WHAT IT TOOK TO BE AN OFFICER IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN HONOR FOR ME TO WORK WITH YOU ANY DAY. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HEROIC SERVICE. R.I.P MY SISTER IN BLUE.

K-9 POLICE OFFICER RENE SANCHEZ
BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, K9 UNIT SOD BOSTON MA.
January 29, 2011

Heaven has welcomed another angel...and Arlington has lost a wonderful person. God bless you and the family that raised you.

Anonymous
January 25, 2011

Jill.

I miss you so much. I will never forget our last conversation that night. You will always be one of my best friends. You are now our guardian angel. I love you and miss you tons. I will see you one day again.

B.Winkler 2658
Class 41. Arlington Police Department.
January 24, 2011

Rest in peace! You are a true hero. You kind act of bravery will always be remembered.

DJ Cavalier
January 24, 2011

Officer Jillian Michelle Smith is the truest of heroes, having saved a child's life, heartbreakingly at the price of her own life. Her family, personal and professional are in the thoughts and prayers of her brothers and sisters around the world. Rest In Peace, Officer Smith.

Officer Daniel Golembieski
United States Capitol Police
January 23, 2011