Prev
Incident
Sergeant Hans Smith succumbed to injuries sustained almost one month earlier when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic. As Sergeant Smith was waited for a trolley, a driver, who said he was blinded by the oncoming trolley's lights, swerved to the left to avoid it and struck Sergeant Smith. Originally it was reported that Sergeant Smith only suffered a broken right arm and leg. However, it was later determined there were also internal injuries, to which Sergeant Smith succumbed to on September 16, 1930. The driver of the vehicle was indicted for reckless driving. No further information is available. Sergeant Smith had served in the Portland Police Department for 30 years (1895-1900, then 1905 until the time of his death).
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, three sisters, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtprd1ctkzz4yah3qsa4a- 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 Hans. 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
30 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Smith gave the Portland Police Department 30 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Portland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Portland Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Hans is one of 33 officers lost to accidents in ME, 38.4% of the 86 remembered there.
Hans is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Hans is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 2 officers in ME were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1930, 113 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1930, 131 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
Who
Hans had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Hans had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hans had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 15.2% of these deaths in ME; November holds the most, 21.2%. Tuesdays: 24.2%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Portland Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 38.4% of all 86 deaths in ME, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Portland Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Hans among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Portland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
