By Beth Alston

AMERICUS — The Americus Police Department, GSW State University Police Department and the United States Marine Corps are hosting a special program next week. A Celebration of the Life and Lasting Legacy of Nick Smarr and Jody Smith will take place at noon Friday, Dec. 7 in the auditorium of the GSW State University School of Nursing, 800 GSW University Drive. The public is invited.
Americus Police Chief Mark Scott, one of the event organizers, said that the Marine Corps will be making a presentation to Nick Smarr’s family and Life Link will be making a presentation to Jody Smith’s family.
“The U.S. Marine Corps is going to present Nick’s family with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously). This is the highest non-combat award that can be given to a Marine for an act of heroism. Life Link will also be there to honor Jody’s family for the lives Jody saved through organ donation, along with at least one of the organ recipients whose life was saved by Jody’s gift.”
Americus Police Officer Nick Smarr and GSW Police Officer Jody Smith, roommates and best friends, were shot and killed responding to a domestic call in December 2016. Since that time, the Smarr-Smith Foundation has been formed, and has raised money to help fund law enforcement scholarships and to purchase much needed equipment for local law enforcement agencies.