Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Warrick's book is truly a fascinating description of you as a mother and as an individual. His story of your life and the love you gave to your family and others is truly touching. I also became a mother at 18 years old. My 15 year old son is truly my best friend and I can only hope he grows into a wonderful young man as you have raised Warrick to be. I never knew you, but know that you excelled at the most important job in your life and that is motherhood. Rest in peace, Betty. God Bless your family.

Phoenix, AZ
December 30, 2008

I am currently reading your son Warrick's book and you should be very proud of him as I'm sure you already are. Never having met you, you still have found a way to impact my life. Your love and dedication to your family and job are overwhelming and make me want to be a better person. I live in Tampa and have followed your son's career and you have raised the finest man I will probabaly never meet. My mom passed away a year ago so if you don't mind taking care of one more person that would be great. May God bless you and your family. You truly were an angel on earth as is your son.

Kim Johnson
Tampa resident
December 21, 2008

Thank you so much for your service and raising a wonderful man.

Anonymous
December 14, 2008

Betty, I got to see Warrick and Samantha at Warricks book signing at Barnes & Nobles. I know you are so proud of them as well as all of your children. The book is awesome and very touching. I got to show Warrick and Samantha my bracelet with your name on it. I wear it everyday to remind me of the sacrifice you made and its my small little way of honoring you, my guardian angel. Rest in peace.

sgt. nancy morgan
BRPD
November 12, 2008

Miss Betty, I was only 5 years old when you passed but I grew up watching Warrick and hearing the great stories of your life. You were a tremendous role model for him and he has always been a role model for me. I wish I had known you longer and I know my parents, Sid and Beanie, miss you everyday. Watch over us.

Cody Edwards
Family Friend
November 11, 2008

I watched the story aired on the Today Show which showcased your son, Warwick and his generosity to those who are in need. He has carried on your duty of serving the public with pride and integrity. I am touched and inspired by his hope and unselfish acts. Your memory will live on through his gifts to others.

Det Holly Tucker
Broward Co. Sheriff's Office (FL)
November 11, 2008

Dear Corporal Smothers, As I write this reflection, I am listening to your son Warrick speak on New York Radio. In addition to being a fine athelete, he is a fine young man. His pain and his pride is ours as well. Your legacy lives on. You are not forgotten.

Sgt Arnold Rothenberg
Nassau County (NY)Police Dept
November 7, 2008

There is a touching article online and the Today Show about Officer Smother's son Warrick Dunn the pro football player who donated over 78 furnished houses to needy single parents in his mother's name. The article also talks about Warrick meeting his mother's killer in prison and the emotional toll such a heinous act takes on people's lives. The article may move you to tears. Officer Smothers should be very proud of her son and the goodness and values she instilled in him. Warrick Dunn should be proud of the good deeds he has done in this world. Many pro athletes aren't role models. Warrick Dunn is a role model dream. God Bless. I hope he and his brothers and sisters find their own peace.

mychael , NY
November 6, 2008

Corporal Smothers, I want to thank you for your service and to let you and your family know that you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department
November 6, 2008

God bless you and thank you for your service!

officer quincy bryant
kenner police
October 25, 2008

BETTY IS A ROLEMODEL TO ME AND MANY OTHERS, I'VE HEARD MANY GOOD THINGS FROM MY FAMILY MEMBERS IN NEW ORLEANS AND ST. FRANCISVILLE. I'VE HAD THE HONOR TO MEET DERRICK A WONDERFUL PERSON, AND WARRICK YOU ARE TRULY A REFLECTION OF YOUR MOTHER'S EXPECTATION.

DY SMOTHERS
EBRSO/ COUSIN
September 9, 2008

The legacy of this brave woman lives on through her children, especially Warrick. I know that she must be proud of the wonderful gift she left for the world in him. May her family be forever blessed and know that her efforts will never be forgotten.

Valerie Shorter
Educator/DeKalb County Schools/Atlanta
May 9, 2008