Deputy Sheriff Justin Smith

Justin Smith

Deputy Sheriff Justin Smith died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Deputy Smith was a U.S. Army Reserve veteran. He had served with the Burt County Sheriff's Office for 13 years and also served as the police chief of the Decatur Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two adult sons.

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.