Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman George Smith was shot and killed by a man he had arrested earlier in the day for being drunk in public.
The man, a railroad foreman, was released on bail by the mayor. The man made threats against Policeman Smith and then purchased a pistol and bullets. He returned to the business district, where he located Policeman Smith, who was returning to his beat after eating dinner around 7:10 p.m.
The man immediately shot Policeman Smith in the eye and neck. He then stood over Policeman Smith and continued firing until another officer grabbed his gun and placed him under arrest.
The suspect was charged with Policeman Smith's murder but was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a state asylum in Williamsburg, where he died on January 15, 1909.
Policeman Smith, described as a veteran on the force, was survived by his wife and children.
Survivors
Policeman Smith, described as a veteran on the force, was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-43C77A17- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Smith served with the Suffolk Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Suffolk community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman George T. Smith is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In VA, 394 of 656 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.1% of this state's fallen. That is 60.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Suffolk Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George T. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How George T. Smith Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George T. Smith is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George T. Smith was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Suffolk Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
