Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Saturday, November 3, 2012
Add to My HeroesRichard Joseph Halford
Police Officers Richard Halford and Shawn Smiley were killed in a helicopter crash while assisting in the search for a missing 9-year-old boy at approximately 10:30 pm.
They were flying low over an area approximately four miles west of downtown when the Hughes OH-6A helicopter suddenly crashed to the ground near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Hamilton E. Holmes Drive. The helicopter exploded after impacting the ground. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.
The boy they were searching for was found safe a short time later.
Officer Halford had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 26 years and had been assigned as a pilot in the Air Unit for 16 years. He is survived by his daughter, parents, brother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 26 years
- Badge 3788
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
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Police Officer Shawn Antonio Smiley
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EOW: November 3, 2012
Most Recent Reflection
View all 165 ReflectionsWow Richard I can't believe you've been gone 6 years. I miss you and my Joe so much. I remember when my Joe died you were among his many friends that came to support me. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. PS I know you in the heaven with my Joe acting the fool!
Evelyn J Davis
Widow and friend
June 7, 2019
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