Patrolman Daniel J. Smith

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Patrolman Daniel J. Smith | Essex County Police Department, New Jersey
Essex County Police Department, New Jersey
Patrolman Daniel J. Smith

Essex County Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Monday, September 17, 1984

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Daniel J. Smith

Patrolman Daniel Smith was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle on I-280, between Center Street and Harrison Street, in East Orange. Patrolman Smith was shot in the head by a shotgun blast as he approached the vehicle.

The 27-year-old suspect and several accomplices were arrested and charged in connection with Patrolman Smith's murder and other related crimes. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, motor vehicle theft, illegal weapons possession, and sentenced to life plus 40 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole on September 16, 2024.

Patrolman Smith had served with the Essex County Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife and mother.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

stolen vehicle

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On Aug 28,2019
Essex county Sheriff Armando Fontura and Essex County Sheriff department Captain Peter Corbo ( a childhood friend of Dan's)
Presided over a ceremony, where, due to Captain Corbo' s hard work, etc, dedicating two large highway signs
DEDICATED TO PTL DANIEL J SMITH ESSEX COUNTY POLICE
To be placed on Rt 280 eastbound and westbound in the exact spot where Off Smith was assassinated (Essex county police were absorbed into Essex county sheriff department)
Off Smith's wife, Patricia, and sister Margaret Smith Harvey from Arizona were both in attendance.

paul stahl retired Patrolmen
Essex County Police department

June 23, 2024

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