Barbourville Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch Friday, July 20, 1962
Add to My HeroesJames C. Smith
Chief James Smith was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance.
As he and another officer spoke with the suspect, the suspect grabbed a shotgun and fired once striking the chief in the abdomen. Both officers returned fire critically wounding the suspect.
The 55 year-old suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 21 years in prison. In 1936 he had served a year in prison for biting off the fingers of a Barbourville police officer who had arrested him for public drunkenness.
Chief Smith is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour 15 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
- Offender Sentenced to 21 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 20, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Antonio Aleman
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, NM
EOW: July 8, 2025

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Isaiah Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025