Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Wednesday, May 14, 1980
Add to My HeroesJohn Wesley Smith, III
Lieutenant Smith was killed in an automobile accident while responding to an officer needs assistance call that was broadcast over the police radio shortly after midnight. He was travelling on Clarksville Highway when his patrol car collided with a pickup truck.
Lieutenant Smith had been with the agency for 17 years and was survived by his wife and three sons.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 17 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 23 ReflectionsI worked for Lt. Smith while in the walking patrol. Lt. Smith was a man’s man. Was one of the best survivors I ever worked for. He was a gentle soul and someone I looked up to. Was my honor to stand honor guard at his funeral. Surely missed by all.
Sergeant William C. Smith
MNPD
June 20, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

