Roll of Honor
Incident
Private Jack Smith and Private John Williams were shot and killed by a mob while responding to a call for help with a riotous strike at the Pressed Steel Car Company plant in McKees Rocks on August 22nd. The officers, accompanied by Privates Privates Lucian Jones, George Kitch, and Patrick O'Donnell, were attacked en route at O'Donovan's Bridge. Private Williams was killed at the scene. Private Smith suffered gunshot wounds in both legs and a fractured skull. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh and died the following day, August 23. After killing the officers the mob robbed them of cash and other possessions. Deputy Harry Exley, of the Allegheny County Sheriff's Department, was also shot and killed during the riots. Private Smith had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for seven months and was assigned to Troop A, Greensburg.
Survivors
He was survived by his father.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-D0C11D86- 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.
Private Smith served with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Thank you for your service to the people of Pennsylvania. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Private Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Private John Curtis Smith 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pennsylvania State Police, 34 of 87 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 39.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Curtis Smith's cause is highlighted.
How John Curtis Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Curtis Smith is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Curtis Smith was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
86 officers from Pennsylvania State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
