Trooper Ronald Gordon Smith, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida

Trooper Ronald Gordon Smith

Florida Highway Patrol, Florida

End of Watch Sunday, December 23, 1973

Ronald Gordon Smith

Trooper Ronald Smith was shot and killed while checking two suspicious men in a parked car.

The subjects attempted to flee but two nearby hunters shot and wounded one of them and then captured both.

Trooper Smith had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for only eight months.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 8 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Both apprehended

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Most Recent Reflection

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I've been working U.S. 19 between Red Level and Inglis hard the last few weeks in your memory. I stop for my lunch break at the memorial and clear limbs and try to clean things up a bit. Lots of tire tracks tell me you have not been forgotten. When I'm out there, I feel like you are riding right front with me. God knows, there isn't any other backup close. Some of the motorists I stop (locals) comment on your cause. It's amazing with today's goings on, all positive. Big brother, you are a hero indeed and are missed daily.

I spoke to Ricky Starling a few years ago on a traffic stop in Marion County and we shared opinions on your shooting. His decision to only wound your assailant would change if he had the power to go back. I know where I would have aimed.

Thanks to a spineless, tree hugging judge, the death penalty was overturned due to the killer's marijuana influence (now legal). What a shame.

Please rest in peace Sergeant R.G. Smith.

We will be back in that section of U.S. 19 in the morning....... hunting.

M/Tpr. Scott A. Howard Ret./Reserve
FHP

October 2, 2017