Please donate to help Detective Smith's beneficiary

The Mountain Chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association and the Police Benevolent Foundation are asking for financial assistance for the beneficiary of Detective Jeff Smith with the Cherokee Indian Police Department.

On October 23rd, Detective Smith was assisting a fellow officer with an arrest of a suspect who had fled on foot into a local river. As they were getting the suspect up the river embankment, Det. Smith suffered from a medical emergency.

Deputy Smith had served with the Cherokee Indian Police Department since 2011. He also served with the U.S. Park Service and the Swain County Sheriff's Office.

In a statement, Tribal Chief Mitchell Hicks offered the following. "I ask our community to come together in support of his family and the entire CIPD family during this heartbreaking time. Our officers answer the call to protect us each day, and I want them to know how deeply we value and appreciate their service. My thoughts and prayers remain with Detective Smith’s loved ones and his fellow officers.

100% of the monies received by the PBF will go to Detective Smith's beneficiary to assist her during this tragic time.