Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Christopher Smith was shot from ambush when he responded to reports of a house fire at the end of Caracus Court. Deputy Smith was among the first to arrive on the scene at approximately 10:22 a.m. and was immediately shot and killed by the subject, who had approached him from behind.
The subject then took Deputy Smith's firearm and continued to fire at other responders, including members of the Tallahassee Fire Department and Tallahassee Police Department. One other sheriff's deputy was shot and wounded before the subject was shot and killed by an off-duty Tallahassee police officer who lived nearby and had responded to the sound of gunfire.
It is believed that the subject intentionally set the house fire with the intention to kill as many first responders as possible.
Deputy Smith had previously served as a dispatcher and corrections officer. He served with the Leon County Sheriff's Office for almost six years and had served in law enforcement for almost 26 years.
Survivors
Deputy Smith is survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnvdyx5hcwafen0n1a87- 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 Christopher. 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
25 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Smith gave the Leon County Sheriff's Office 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Tallahassee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Leon County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Christopher is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2014, 5 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 2014, 63 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 119th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2014, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Christopher was 47. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Christopher had served 25.9 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Christopher was 47. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Christopher had served 25.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Christopher was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Christopher had served 25.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Leon County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Leon County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Christopher among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Leon County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
