Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Smith was struck and killed by a stolen car while returning from working a special detail at a local high school sports event. Patrolman Smith had served on the Gastonia Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his father and is buried in oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia, North Carolina.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-9BCA676A- 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.
Patrolman Smith gave the Gastonia Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gastonia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Hazel 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 Gastonia Police Department, 3 of 6 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. John Hazel Smith's cause is highlighted.
How John Hazel Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Hazel Smith is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Hazel Smith was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Gastonia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
