Patrolman William James Smith, Jr.

William James Smith, Jr.

Patrolman Smith was killed in an automobile accident while pursuing a traffic violator on N.C. Highway 101 in Carteret County. His vehicle struck a bridge abutment and burst into flames. Rescuers were unable to approach the vehicle when they arrived because his ammunition was exploding as a result of the heat.

Patrolman Smith was assigned to Troop A, District 8. He had served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 25 years and was survived by his wife and son, who later went into law enforcement, and by his daughter.