LEON COUNTY, Fla. – Florida law enforcement said their final goodbyes to one of their own Tuesday at a somber ceremony for a Leon County sheriff's deputy killed over the weekend.
Deputy Chris Smith, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Monticello, loved two things: his family and his job. There was no length he wasn't willing to go for either one.
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Smith was ambushed and killed over the weekend while responding to a house fire that was intentionally set. As thousands of police officers from around the state said goodbye to the man they affectionately called "Tater," they remembered his commitment to the community.
"Wednesday night we were talking about some remodeling we were doing in the church and some of the contractors were asking for some helping hands and he said, ‘Preacher, I'd be there but I have to work Saturday,'" said Dr. David Walker, Smith's pastor. "Little did we know that would be his last day of work. Brother Chris wanted to be there and help."
The service for Smith was attended by local elected officials as well as the attorney general and Gov. Rick Scott, who ordered flags at half staff to honor Smith's memory.
Sen. Bill Montford said it was tough seeing one of the officers from his district make the ultimate sacrifice.
"It's a sad day for this community and all of Florida," Montford said. "It's a good reminder, though, of how important law enforcement and first responders are to us."
The 47-year-old had been in law enforcement since 1989. Friends said he will be forever remembered in hearts behind badges around the state.