McLean, VA (February 25, 2025) - Isaac Smith was a man of many talents: Revolutionary War hero, farmer, doctor and politician. He was also a New York City deputy sheriff. When he got the call that another officer needed backup with an unruly drunk, Deputy Smith was quick to respond. It would cost him his life. While attempting to arrest the man for disturbing the peace, Deputy Smith was shot and killed. His death occurred on May 17, 1792. Over more than two centuries his death was never mentioned nor acknowledged. He had been forgotten. But in 2000, researchers uncovered his story and his name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, ensuring that he would never again be forgotten. When Isaac Smith’s name was inscribed on the Memorial, it was thought that he was the first officer fatality in American history. But that distinction was short-lived. Subsequent research found that a Columbia County, New York Sheriff, Cornelius Hogeboom, had made the ultimate sacrifice just seven months before, on October 22, 1791. And, after more research was done, an even earlier line of duty death was discovered. On April 29, 1786, Chesterfield County, Virginia, Sheriff Benjamin Branch was thrown from his horse and died. Sheriff Branch, at least for the time being, is recognized as the first of more than 24,000 law enforcement officers in U.S. history to have died in the performance of duty. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
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