Corporal Betty Dunn Smothers

A police officer has died;

She was a human, a woman, mother, wife, daughter and a sister. She was a hero, our sister, and to all police officers across the globe. She was more than just a woman, she was a guardian of the people for whom she gave her life. She was selfless, devoted, fearless, unbiased and hero to all who will know her name.

She served with honor, diligence and went to work everyday not knowing her fate. All brothers and sisters in blue share a common goal, to push evil out, to protect the weak, defenseless, helpless, to lead by example and to forge a better future for our cities and our families.

An officer’s badge represents an allegiance to justice and when worn over the heart, it is to remind of the pledge to protect and serve, it is a symbolic shield to warn the pernicious that we stand ready . We are the constant guard, the first line of defense, we enter darkness not knowing what awaits and sometimes we die to protect those we will never meet.

Corporal Betty Smothers exemplified all of these things. She wore blue, she pledged, she protected, she stood ready and never faltered. She entered the realm of darkness and uncertainty with heart and courage. She faced evil and yet stood fast, she sacrificed so that others may not.

Evil has not won and never will, because we are all brothers and sisters. We will continue to push out evil, to light the dark and to protect and serve, we owe this to her, because if not, then Corporal Smothers is lost in vain.

May you forever be remembered and have eternal happiness.

Detective D A James
New Orleans Police

May 6, 2021