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Incident
Deputy Smith was killed when his police motorcycle was intentionally rammed by a vehicle. He was attempting to stop the vehicle for speeding when it started to bump his motorcycle and caused him to crash. The 25-year-old driver was charged with manslaughter. Deputy Smith had served with the agency for 7 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Smith gave the Gila County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Globe 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
Gila County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Mitchell is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Mitchell is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Mitchell is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1946, 1 officer at Gila County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1889, with 2.
In 1946, 1 officer in AZ was killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Mitchell was 49. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Gila County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 51.5; the middle age was 47.5. Mitchell had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Mitchell was 49. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Mitchell had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Mitchell was 49. 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. Mitchell had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Mitchell was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Mitchell had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 16.7% of these deaths at Gila County Sheriff's Office; January holds the most, 33.3%. Fridays: 33.3%.
September holds 9.8% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Fridays: 15.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 8 deaths at Gila County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.8% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Gila County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, Mitchell among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Gila County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
