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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 38 ReflectionsI'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
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