Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Dennis Smedley was shot and killed when he was ambushed as he was leaving his home. He was shot in the back five times. Several suspects were tried for his murder but none were convicted. Sergeant Smedley had served with the agency for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his mother, two brothers, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-B891F306- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Smedley gave the Front Royal Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Front Royal community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Smedley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Dennis M. Smedley is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Front Royal Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Dennis M. Smedley's cause is highlighted.
How Dennis M. Smedley Compares
Offender Outcome
Two acquittals
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dennis M. Smedley is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dennis M. Smedley was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Front Royal Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
