Police Officer Richard Wellington Smith

Police Officer Richard Wellington Smith

Tulare Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, January 11, 1947

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Richard Wellington Smith

Police Officer Richard Smith was shot and killed while he and other officers searched for a suspect in the basement of a hotel. The suspect was wanted for failing to appear in court for assaulting his girlfriend with a knife. The suspect was hiding in a storeroom and saw Officer Smith through a crack in the wall. The man opened fire through a wooden partition, fatally wounding Officer Smith. The suspect, 46, then shot and killed himself.

Officer Smith was survived by his wife and mother. He served three and a half years in the army intelligence service during World War II.

In 1978 a street was named Richard Smith Street in Officer Smith's honor.

Bio

  • Age 29
  • Tour 6 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
  • Offender Committed suicide

domestic, warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

Officer Smith,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you you served with the USAAF during WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 11, 2022

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