Prev
Alexander S. Smith
Incident
Railroad Policeman Alexander Smith was shot and killed in the company's railroad yards near South 2nd Street in Tacoma, Washington shortly after 4 p.m. by his partner. The two officers had been arguing about a recent freight train robbery when Policeman Smith's partner attacked him and opened fire, fatally wounding him. The officer who shot him was charged with second-degree murder.
Survivors
Policeman Smith was survived by his son and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-VV1D-04X9-Bearlier record number BO-US-RR-11C72BFA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Alexander. 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.
Railroad Policeman Smith served with the Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the St. Paul community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Railroad Policeman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Alexander is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
Alexander is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Alexander is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1909, 1 officer at Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1909, 1 officer in MN was killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Alexander was 55. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 45; the middle age was 39.
Alexander was 55. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Alexander was 55. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Alexander was 55. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 16.7% of these deaths at Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department; December holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 16.7%.
February holds 6.9% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Alexander among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
