Chief of Police George S. Smiddy, Jellico Police Department, Kentucky

Chief of Police George S. Smiddy

Jellico Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Thursday, May 13, 1926

George S. Smiddy

Chief of Police George Smiddy was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had fired several shots earlier in the evening while involved in a domestic dispute.

He requested assistance from the chief of police and an officer from the neighboring Jellico, Tennessee, Police Department. The three officers located the man at a barber shop on North Main Street, on the Kentucky side of the border, and attempted to arrest him. The man immediately opened fire, mortally wounding Chief Smiddy and seriously wounding the police chief from the Tennessee town. The suspect was killed by the return fire.

Chief Smiddy succumbed to his wounds early the next day.

Chief Smiddy had served with the Jellico Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife and ten children.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 1 year
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, May 12, 1926
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

domestic

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Chief Smiddy, your attempt to bring a 'man' to justice cost you your life and nearly took the life of your counterpart from Tennessee. I do not mourn the death of your murderer, but you are a Brother and though it's been 89 years, your passing is still a reason for sadness.

How sad also that your death occurred just one year and one month after your predecessor, Chief Bowlin made the same tragic sacrifice.

God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

May 13, 2015