Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Dan Smith was shot and killed from ambush as he and two deputy constables searched for a still in a cornfield at approximately 1500 hours.
As they made their way towards the still, the owner of the farm ambushed them and shot Constable Smith in the back three times.
The suspect was apprehended at his home several hours later and charged with Constable Smith's murder. The man had previously threatened to shoot Constable Smith if he ever came onto his land. On February 7, 1926, he was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years. Two weeks later he was released from jail, under bond, pending his appeal. The result of the appeal and and what became of the suspect is unknown.
Constable Smith was survived by his wife and three children.
Survivors
Constable Smith was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-TN-FA2D347C- Stewardship
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- 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.
Constable Smith served with the Lawrence County Fourth District Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Lawrenceburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Dan 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Dan Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Dan Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dan Smith is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dan Smith was killed by shotgun.