Cherokee -- October 26, 2026: The Mountain Chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association and the Police Benevolent Foundation have announced a fundraiser in memory of Cherokee Indian Police Department Detective Jeff Smith.
According to a fundraising announcement shared by the department on Facebook, Smith suffered a medical emergency Oct. 23 while assisting another officer with an arrest.
The suspect had fled on foot into a local river. Smith experienced the emergency as the officers were bringing the suspect up the river embankment, the announcement states.
Smith had served with the Cherokee Indian Police Department since 2011. His law enforcement career also included service with the U.S. Park Service and the Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement included in the announcement, Principal Chief Mitchell Hicks called on the community to support Smith’s family and fellow officers.
“I ask our community to come together in support of his family and the entire CIPD family during this heartbreaking time,” Hicks said.
Hicks also expressed appreciation for officers’ daily service and offered his thoughts and prayers to Smith’s loved ones and colleagues.
The Police Benevolent Foundation says 100% of the money it receives through the fundraiser will go to Smith’s designated recipient to provide financial assistance during this difficult time.
Donations can be made through the foundation’s Detective Jeff Smith Memorial Fund.
Image: Cherokee Police Department Facebook