Police Officer Richard Wellington Smith, Tulare Police Department, California

Police Officer Richard Wellington Smith

Tulare Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, January 11, 1947

Richard Wellington Smith

Officer 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.

In 1978 a street was named Richard Smith Street in honor of Officer Smith. Officer Smith was survived by his wife and mother.

Bio

Age 29
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Smith,
On today, the 71st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tulare. 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, 2018