Public Safety · Swain County
Cherokee Police Detective Dies in Line-of-Duty Incident; Fundraiser Launched
Detective Jeff Smith of the Cherokee Indian Police Department died on Oct. 23 while assisting another officer pursue a suspect into a river. The Police Benevolent Foundation is soliciting donations to support Smith's beneficiary, stating that 100% of funds will go directly to his next of kin. Smith had served with the department since 2011 and previously worked for the U.S. Park Service and Swain County Sheriff's Office.