Families of the Fallen has selected the second hero to be honored in 2023 by our organization. It is with utmost honor that we announce the selection of Iowa State Trooper Sgt. Jim Smith as the second hero to be honored by our organization at Guthrie River Ruckus Music Festival.
Sgt. Jim Smith began his career with the Iowa State Patrol and graduated the 19th Basic Academy in 1993. Sgt. Smith was proud of and humbled with his 27 year position with the Iowa State Patrol. Jim also devoted his life to Jesus Christ and was humbled by his service to our savior. Both are evident in one of Sgt. Smith’s quotes: “The blessings of my life as a State Trooper, like the blessings of my life as a Christian, are much the same. I am broken, lowly, humbled, and then God saves me.”
On Friday, April 9th, 2021 Sgt. Smith and a team of Law Enforcement Officers were attempting to take a man into custody, for severely assaulting another Police Officer in Grundy Center Iowa. Sgt. Smith and the team he was leading entered the assailant’s house to take him into custody. Upon law enforcement entering the house, the assailant opened fire on the team and Sgt. Smith was struck by the gunfire. Sgt. Smith died from his injuries.
Jim’s family will join the family of Army Sgt. Kampha Sourivong, the family of one hero yet to be named, and many other past honored hero families to be recognized and honored at the Guthrie River Ruckus Music Festival to be held July 27th -29th in Guthrie Center Iowa.
Thank you for your sacrifice, Sgt. Jim Smith. May God bless you and your family, and may you rest in peace.