Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Dave Smith was shot and killed with his own service weapon after responding to a disturbance call at a business, at 32 Harrison Street, at approximately 7 a.m.
An employee at the business began arguing with other employees and assaulted one of them upon arriving at work. As Officer Smith arrived at the scene the employee ran out of the building waving his arms, and attacked Officer Smith before he was able to exit his patrol car or radio for help. The subject was able to disarm Officer Smith and shot him while he was still in the patrol car.
The man then opened fire on a second officer who was arriving at the scene. That officer returned fire, killing the subject.
Officer Smith had served with the Johnson City Police Department for 18-1/2 years.
In May 2016, North Arch Street Bridge was renamed Patrolmam David W. Smith, Jr. Bridge.
Survivors
He was survived by his young son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-FF7421CB- 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.
Police Officer Smith gave the Johnson City Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Johnson City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer David Wayne Smith, Jr. 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Johnson City Police Department, 1 of 2 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. David Wayne Smith, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How David Wayne Smith, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David Wayne Smith, Jr. is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David Wayne Smith, Jr. was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Johnson City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
