Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Daniel Smith was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle on I-280, between Center Street and Harrison Street, in East Orange. Patrolman Smith was shot in the head by a shotgun blast as he approached the vehicle. The 27-year-old suspect and several accomplices were arrested and charged in connection with Patrolman Smith's murder and other related crimes. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, motor vehicle theft, illegal weapons possession, and sentenced to life plus 40 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole on September 16, 2024. Patrolman Smith had served with the Essex County Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife and mother. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-91CECEF7- 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 Essex County Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark 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 Daniel J. 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 NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Essex County Police Department, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Daniel J. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Daniel J. Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Daniel J. Smith is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Daniel J. Smith was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Essex County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
