Roll of Honor
Ronald Gordon Smith
Incident
Auxiliary Lieutenant Ronald Smith was shot and killed while conducting a stakeout at a convenience store. Because of an increase in armed robberies, several auxiliary deputies were staking out convenience stores. A 25-year-old man who attempted to rob one of the stores shot Lieutenant Smith when he attempted to arrest him. The suspect turned himself into authorities the next day. He was charged with Lieutenant Smith's murder and several armed robberies. On March 17, 1978, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was still in prison in 2022, with a release date in 2060. Lieutenant Smith was the commander of the Cumberland County Auxiliary Officers.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-7E647276- 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.
Auxiliary Lieutenant Smith served with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Fayetteville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Auxiliary Lieutenant Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Auxiliary Lieutenant Ronald Gordon 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 NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, 11 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 84.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ronald Gordon Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Ronald Gordon Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ronald Gordon Smith is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ronald Gordon Smith was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Cumberland County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
