Ten years ago today, Deputy Chris Smith of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Answering a call for help, Chris had no way of knowing the grave danger that awaited him. Despite a logged warning in the Consolidated Dispatch Agency’s (CDA) system, the information was not relayed to Chris as he responded to a fire call. Ambushed at the scene, Chris became the first Leon County officer in 100 years to be shot and killed on duty.
Today, we remember Chris Smith as more than a deputy. He was a protector, a community servant, a family man, and a symbol of courage. His loss was not only a devastating tragedy for his loved ones and the law enforcement community but also a stark reminder of the flaws in the systems meant to safeguard those who protect us.
A Call for Change
In the aftermath of Chris’s death, the Consolidated Dispatch Agency faced intense scrutiny. A Leon County grand jury later condemned the agency for failing to relay critical hazard warnings that could have prevented Chris’s ambush. This failure was not an isolated incident. In subsequent years, the CDA faced criticism for mishandling 911 calls, including during the Strozier Library shooting at Florida State University and a crash that claimed three lives.
Despite these controversies, Chris’s case sparked vital conversations about reform. His family’s advocacy, bolstered by the legal support of attorney Matt Foster of Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney & Hobbs, P.A., played a pivotal role in holding the agency accountable and pushing for safer practices. One of the most significant changes to emerge was the implementation of a “stop-to-go” system in 2016. This protocol now ensures dispatchers must acknowledge and relay hazard information directly to first responders, who also have access to the same data via in-vehicle systems.
These changes have undoubtedly saved lives, but they came at an immeasurable cost. Chris’s sacrifice and his family’s tireless pursuit of justice have left a lasting impact on our community.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Justice
Our firm was honored to stand beside Chris’s family in their pursuit of justice. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, we helped secure a $1.35 million settlement for his family. While no amount of money can ever replace a loved one, this case was about more than compensation. It was about accountability, advocacy, and ensuring that no other first responder faces preventable dangers on duty.
Deputy Chris Smith’s legacy is one of courage and change. His family’s fight for improved safety protocols reminds us of the importance of speaking out, even in the face of great pain, to protect others.
Honoring Chris Smith Today
As we mark the 10th anniversary of Deputy Chris Smith’s passing, we invite our community to take a moment of silence in his honor. Let us remember his bravery, his commitment to serving Leon County, and the reforms inspired by his life and sacrifice.
While we reflect, let us also recommit ourselves to the cause of justice and accountability. Every day, we at Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney & Hobbs, P.A., strive to be advocates for families like Chris’s—families who deserve answers, change, and justice when it matters most.
Let us never forget the sacrifices of those who serve, and let us continue working to protect those who protect us.