Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Smith,
Even though it’s been over 50 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of North Carolina. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 12, 2024

I never knew Trooper William J. Smith. I was a rookie Trooper assigned to Wilson County ( C-5). I had just started January 2, 1974, just ten days before his death.
However, I’ve had the pleasure to work with his son Jay in Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE). We worked in District III out of New Bern. Jay was through, professional and a pleasure to work with. THAT has got to be an outstanding legacy for Trooper William J. Smith.

Assistant Supervisor (District III)
Alcohol Law Enforcement

July 22, 2021

Patrolman Smith Jr, I Thank you for your brave service. You gave so many years to your state and to all of us. It truly saddens me to read of the details of your death. I pray that God opened His arms to you and welcomed you into His Kingdom to grant you eternal peace. Rest in Peace, Brother and may God Bless your family.

Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department

Gainesville, GA

April 20, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Smith.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 10, 2019

The spirit lives, as long as the living remember"!
You are not forgotten Sir!

Maritime Security Officer Beverly Bowers
American Guard Services

January 11, 2017

I knew him when I was a boy. He was a fine man and loving father.

Kenny Senter
Friend

August 11, 2013

I was in training in D1 when your tour ended. You were the first of six of us that year. Three of those six were in D1. 1974 was the single deadliest year for the Patrol so far. You are still missed and remembered Our prayers are with your family and those who took your place. Rest in peace Trooper W.J. Smith and thank you.

Trp. W. M. Goss Frm. E-540
NCSHP

August 23, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of everyone who misses and loves Patrolman Smith.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer and NC native Larry Lasater

January 14, 2010

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 Patrolman Smith.

Sgt. Robert Mau, Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

Trooper,
You are the true hero. Thank you for your dedication and loyalty to our chosen profession. God Bless your family.

Sincerely,
Cpl. Jon Lowder RIP brother officer
Union County Sheriff's Office Monroe, North Carolina

Cpl. Jon Lowder
Union County Sheriff's Office

September 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 3, 2008

"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 27, 2007

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Bill for sixteen years. As a very small child with my head just above table height, I would stand, or sit in his and my dad's laps, and watch him and my dad play cribbage. I grew up knowing and loving him. I lived close to the fatal bridge and, now, I pass it twice a day as it lies almost parallel to another small bridge on a secondary road that leads to my home. There's never a time that I cross that bridge that I don't think of him. He was the first law enforcement officer I ever knew, and I have always measured others by his professionalism and love for his job. I have the memories, Mr. Bill.

Beverley Pasineau Guldner
Friend

August 14, 2007

Trp. Smith you are remembered today on the 33rd anniversary of your death.

Sgt
NCSHP

January 11, 2007

I am a native of Beaufort, and my dad, Bill Edwards, was a member of the Beaufort Rescue Squad. We lived only a couple of miles from the crash scene, and my dad could see the smoke billowing from the site as he left our yard to go to the scene. He was the first one there, and I remember how shaken he was when he returned home. While I never even knew Trooper Smith, the crash and the sacrifice he made left a deep impression upon me. One of my two sons, who are now in law enforcement, is an NC State Trooper, stationed in Pitt County. My other son is a campus police officer at ECU in Greenville, NC.

Chief Bryan Edwards
Simpson, NC, Police Department

November 16, 2006

Dad, your example of honesty and your dedication to serve your fellow man served as a guide for me throughout my 30 years of service. I only wish you could have lived to meet my wife and your two grandsons. Dad, I'm so very proud to have been your son.

Supervisor William J. Smith III
North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Ret.

October 27, 2006

GOD bless you and your family as you rest in peace.

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida

April 14, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, may God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort and peace to your loved ones.

January 11, 2005

Although this happened 30 years ago we will remember your sacrifice always. There will always be a void in the lives of your family, friends, and co-workers. Thanks for your 25 years of service to your community!

Marilyn Goodheart - 1995 Survivor
Kansas Concerns of Police Survivors

December 12, 2003