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Incident
Policeman George Smith was shot and killed by a man he had arrested earlier in the day for being drunk in public.
The man, a railroad foreman, was released on bail by the mayor. The man made threats against Policeman Smith and then purchased a pistol and bullets. He returned to the business district, where he located Policeman Smith, who was returning to his beat after eating dinner around 7:10 p.m.
The man immediately shot Policeman Smith in the eye and neck. He then stood over Policeman Smith and continued firing until another officer grabbed his gun and placed him under arrest.
The suspect was charged with Policeman Smith's murder but was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a state asylum in Williamsburg, where he died on January 15, 1909.
Policeman Smith, described as a veteran on the force, was survived by his wife and children.
Survivors
Policeman Smith, described as a veteran on the force, was survived by his wife and children.
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.
Policeman Smith served with the Suffolk Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Suffolk community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Suffolk Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1908, 6 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 57. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
George was 57. 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.
George was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Suffolk Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Suffolk Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Suffolk Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
