Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Smith,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 5, 2024

Will always be remembered.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

December 17, 2022

Thank you for your service. You put your life on the line for your community. Not many could do that. I'm forever grateful for men and women like you. Rest in peace sir

Jerry
Fellow citizen

January 5, 2022

Thinking of you Uncle Joe.

Trf Ofc. (ret) G V Daunhauer
Jacksonville Sheriff Office

January 15, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Smith.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2019

Thinking of you Uncle Joe.

Trf Ofc. (ret) G V Daunhauer
Jacksonville Sheriff Office

January 6, 2019

Thinking of ya Uncle Joe...RIP...

Trf Ofc. (ret) G V Daunhauer
Jacksonville Sheriff Office

January 5, 2018

Uncle Junior ( Joe Smith Jr.) as a child he made sure I got Christmas every year my Mother was his baby sister that was killed on Christmas Day 1954 Uncle Junior was my , I sure miss you, your so Loved This was my GrandMothers baby son my Mother her youngest baby girl, so this was a great lost to me as I all way looked up too him, and Loved hearing the stories about my Mother he told !!! Uncle Junior they tore that Truck Stop down some years ago so now you can rest in more peace, You we and all way will he my Hero your nice Debra Nichols Elliott I sure wish I could find my Uncle's kids, they are so missed Thanks for Loving me Uncle Junior !!! Your niece Mary Lee Smith-Nichols daughter

Debbie Elliott
niece

December 17, 2016

I was with the Fayetteville Police Department in 1974, I attended your Funeral , to this day I have not forgotten you, 401truck stop has been torn down. Rest in peace.

Sgt R. Hammacher
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office N.C.

March 24, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever,
. I think you and your family were denied justice when your killer was paroled after only serving 14 years.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 5, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY SIR ON YOUR 36TH YEAR.
01/05/2011

OFC G V DAUNHAUER
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFC.

January 5, 2011

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year I was hired. While it's been a long time, I'm sure those you left behind and served with disctinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thanks for your service and for looking out for us you left behind. Rest in peace Deputy.

Sgt. Robert Mau, Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 26, 2007

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW UNCLE JOE THAT ME AND YOUR NIECE(VICKY) ARE ENGAGED. WISH I COULD HAVE MET YOU.

OFC G V DAUNHAUER
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFFICE

March 14, 2007

Your memory lives on with your family.I'm dating your niece who thought very highly of you. Thank you for your service.

Ofc. G.V. Daunhauer
Jacksonville Sheriff Ofice

January 30, 2006

Joe Smith Jr., was my "Uncle Jr." my dad was his brother Ike Smith, I remember the day he died like it was yesterday. The death of Uncle Jr. Broke my dads heart, he was so proud of his brother. My dad is now with Uncle Jr. he joined him on November 7, 1989.

Cathy (Smith) Brown

January 30, 2006

God Speed DS Smith

January 5, 2006

Joe was my dad's partner at the Sheriff's Department. Although I was a young teenager when he was killed, I still remember my dad taking me and my brothers to Joe's house on many occasions. I remember what a nice and gentle man he was.How kind he was to everyone of us. Even though he's gone now he is still rembered foundly by us all. He is not forgotten.

Captain Mike Conerly
Goldsboro PD