Hackettstown Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Wednesday, September 16, 1874
Add to My HeroesPhilip Schuyler Smith
Chief of Police Philip Smith succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier while attempting to arrest a man for being drunk and disorderly in public.
The subject worked at a local iron forge and had come into town to drink with his coworkers. Chief Smith had told them to move along but the subject became more disorderly. Chief Smith placed him arrest, but the man's friends began to come to his aid as they neared the police department.
When Chief Smith pulled out his baton he was disarmed by the man who them beat him severely, causing him to suffer a skull fracture. The man was arrested, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to seven years in jail.
Chief Smith was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Saturday, September 12, 1874
- Weapon Blunt object; Baton
- Offender Sentenced to 7 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsChief Smith,
On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Hackettstown.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
September 16, 2024
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