Tulare Police Department, California
End of Watch Saturday, January 11, 1947
Add to My HeroesRichard 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsOfficer 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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