Corrections Officer IV Harold Paul "Skip" Smith, Jr.

Harold Paul "Skip" Smith, Jr.

Corrections Officer IV Skip Smith died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among employees and inmates at the Rufe Jordan Unit at 1992 Helton Road in Pampa.

Officer Smith had served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 5-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.

Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.