An Emotional Day for Those Who Knew D.W. Smith

Police officers and firefighters joined family members and friends of Johnson City police officer David W. Smith Junior March 31 at a memorial service, observing the one-year anniversary of his death.

"D.W." was shot twice moments after he arrived at a Harrison Street medical office where a disturbance had occurred. He died a short time later.

The Chenango County man who shot Smith himself was fatally wounded by a second police officer.

The patrol car assigned to Smith on that tragic day a year ago was parked in front of the medical office for this morning's brief event honoring the officer.

Johnson City police chief Brent Dodge said it "got a little emotional" at times for those who returned to the scene. But, he said, the mood changed as those who gathered shared food and memories at the nearby police station.