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Incident
Patrolman John Smith was struck and killed by a stolen car while returning from working a special detail at a local high school sports event. Patrolman Smith had served on the Gastonia Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his father and is buried in oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia, North Carolina.
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 Gastonia Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gastonia 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
Gastonia Police Department has lost 6 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1937, 6 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 32. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. John had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 32. 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. John had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.3% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Sundays: 13.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Gastonia Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.2% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Gastonia Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Gastonia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
