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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Essex County Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Daniel is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Daniel is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Daniel is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1984, 3 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1984, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1984, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Daniel was 27. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Daniel had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Daniel was 27. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Daniel had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Daniel was 27. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Daniel had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 23.9% of these deaths in NJ, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Essex County Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Essex County Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Daniel among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Essex County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
