The annual memorial service for Jody Smith and Nicholas Smarr was held at the Public Safety Building on Georgia Southwestern University on December 7. The two officers lost their lives in the line of duty on December 7, 2016.

Michael Lewis, Chief of police at Georgia Southwestern, briefly shared memories of the two men, describing their character. “What I can say about both young men is that they were fine young men that [were] definitely taken from us way to soon.”

President Michelle Johnston spoke of the love and care the community had for both Jody Smith and Nicholas Smarr. Former Georgia Southwestern police chief Mike Tracy thanked everyone who came and who had been attending for the last eight years. “I don’t think you really realize how special that is.”

Tracy spoke of the importance of honoring their memory. “By coming to us and by honoring Nick and Jody’s loss, and by honoring [the] family, you validate our own humanity as officers.”

Police Chief of Americus, Mark Scott, spoke afterward, speaking of ways that Smith and Smarr’s memory were kept alive. Scott told how on their police cars, an emblem of a flag carries both men’s numbers, with the phrase we will not forget. “That was a promise that we made to Nick and Jody’s families in 2016 and the promise that we try to carry through today. That’s why we’re gathered here today, because we do not forget the sacrifice they made. More importantly, we don’t forget the lives that they lived and the impact that they have made on this community and across this country.”

Scott spoke of how far their influence had reached. “We know what they meant to us, but those two guys have been recognized and are remembered all across the United States, and they continue to be remembered today, whether it’s the ones whose lives were saved through Jody’s generosity in being an organ donor, or whether it was those in the United States Marine Corps who came down here a couple of years ago and honored Nick and his selfless acts. . on the day of the shooting with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal of Honor, highest civilian honor that the United States Navy and Marine Corps can give.” Afterward Scott presented portraits of both officers to the families created by artist John Mellie.

Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant also made an address. “We say to both families, we shall never forget.” Bryant spoke of the constant dangers that officers face with each and every call. “Today, we stand with you all as family, as co-workers, as a community, reflecting on the lives of two amazing men, two men that I have had an opportunity to work with and to know.”

Bryant also addressed the men and women in uniform who were in attendance. “We thank you for the commitment that you make and the sacrifices that you make, and more importantly, the fact that you still will never and you have never forgotten our friends, Nick and Jody.”

Sgt Sharron Johnson spoke. “I’m proud to say I’m Jody Smith’s momma. I’ve been proud since day one. He never let me down, he was always the love of my life, and I miss him. I miss him more than words or anything I can say.”

Danny Smarr, Nicholas Smarr’s father, spoke afterward. He described the day he learned of his son’s death, having received missed phone calls and text messages. He told how small reminders of his son would bring grief, but that the service was a celebration. “It’s a celebration of life. These two young men were full of life.”

Johnny Smith, Jody Smith’s father, also spoke. “I don’t usually say anything when I come here, because I’m usually too broke up.” Smith spoke of the pride he had for his son. “Just like everybody here in uniform, they didn’t want to die. They had so much to live for, but they knew, they knew that it might happen one day.” Smith told how the officers who had gathered for the service live knowing they may be called to make that ultimate sacrifice, the same sacrifice that his son and his son’s friend had made.

Board members of the Smith Smarr Foundation who were in attendance were recognized for their work. The Foundation supports law enforcement and donates equipment so that officers can perform their duties with greater safety. A moment of silence was held at 9:40 as the chimes rang in the west middle tower of the campus. Afterward, attendees were invited to a graveside visitation for a wreath laying ceremony on both graves.