The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
David Smith began his career with the City of Cleveland on June 1, 1993, after being honorably discharged from the US Army. Raised on the east side of Cleveland, Smith graduated from John Marshall High School. A neighborhood policeman had looked after him, which inspired Patrol Officer Smith to join the Cleveland Police Department.
On April 15, 1998 after exiting a nightclub, off duty officer David Smith was confronted by a suspect brandishing a .44 caliber hand gun. At the time, Officer Smith was accompanying a civilian who ran for cover while Smith drew his service weapon. The suspect fatally shot Officer Smith before he could take action. The suspect, Maurice Mackey of Solon, was later convicted of murder.
Officer Smith was a devoted father and public servant. Shortly before his death, he was promoted to the school-based Gang Resistance Education and Training program.
David Smith was survived by his two children, David Smith, Jr. and Lois Smith. Services for Officer Smith were conducted at the Cathedral Church of God in Christ on Martin Luther King Blvd and he was laid to rest in Highland Park Cemetery.
