George T. Smith

Suffolk Police Department — Suffolk, VA

Felonious

End of Watch July 4, 1908

Age 57

The Vigil Panel 22 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 4

Incident

Policeman George Smith was shot and killed by a man he had arrested earlier in the day for being drunk in public.

The man, a railroad foreman, was released on bail by the mayor. The man made threats against Policeman Smith and then purchased a pistol and bullets. He returned to the business district, where he located Policeman Smith, who was returning to his beat after eating dinner around 7:10 p.m.

The man immediately shot Policeman Smith in the eye and neck. He then stood over Policeman Smith and continued firing until another officer grabbed his gun and placed him under arrest.

The suspect was charged with Policeman Smith's murder but was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a state asylum in Williamsburg, where he died on January 15, 1909.

Policeman Smith, described as a veteran on the force, was survived by his wife and children.

Survivors

Policeman Smith, described as a veteran on the force, was survived by his wife and children.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-VA-43C77A17
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.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew George. Claim this record.

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Smith served with the Suffolk Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Suffolk community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Smith.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Suffolk Police Department

Location Suffolk, VA

Platform Identity spd.suffolk.va.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch July 4, 1908

Age 57

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Cause Detail Gunfire

Weapon Handgun

Offender Died in asylum

Policeman George T. 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At Suffolk Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.

Suffolk Police Department

of 5 officers

60% Felonious

VA — Statewide

395

of 654 officers

60.4% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious