Incident
Officer James Smith was killed in a motorcycle crash after another vehicle struck the rear of his patrol motorcycle near Speedway Boulevard and Plumer Avenue. Officer Smith was responding to a report of a collision when he was hit. The impact caused his motorcycle to veer into oncoming traffic, where he was struck head-on by another car. Officer Smith had served with the Tucson Police Department for over seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Officer Smith gave the Tucson Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tucson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Tucson Police Department has lost 11 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 95 officers lost to accidents in AZ, 28.8% of the 330 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1980, 3 officers in AZ were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 56 years on record. The heaviest was 1973, with 5.
In 1980, 71 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 44th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1980, 86 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 46th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 33. Of the 92 lost to accidents in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 34.5. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 33. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 33. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 11.6% of these deaths in AZ; November holds the most, 14.7%. Tuesdays: 13.7%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 27.3% of all 11 deaths at Tucson Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 28.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Tucson Police Department has 11 officers remembered here, James among them.
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William Elliott
Jul 3, 1892
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William H. Katzenstein
Jul 26, 1902
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Robert V. Cummins
Sep 7, 1936
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Barry W. Headricks
Oct 28, 1974
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James Anthony Smith
Oct 28, 1980
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Jeffrey H. Ross
Feb 18, 1982
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Patrick Kent Hardesty
May 26, 2003
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Erik David Hite
Jun 2, 2008
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Stephen Cody Kass
May 5, 2021
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Jason H. Southard
Nov 26, 2021
-
Adam Buckner
Mar 31, 2024
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Tucson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.









