"I
am deeply saddened by the terrible accident that claimed
the lives of two on-duty Atlanta Police Department
officers," said Mayor Reed. "We mourn these two brave
men and offer our deepest condolences to their families
and loved ones. We also pause to extend our sympathy to
the men and women of the police department who place
their lives in harm's way every day to keep our city
safe, and who especially feel the pain of this loss."
The two officers killed on impact were:
-
Oficer Richard J. Halford of Lithia Springs, age 48,
joined the APD in May 1986. He had been with the Air
Unit for more than 16 years, serving as a pilot. Officer
Halford has also served in the Department’s Zone 4
precinct, the Motors and DUI units. He is survived by
his former wife, and a 21-year-old daughter.
-Officer Shawn A. Smiley of Lithonia, age 40, joined
the APD in October 2010. He had been with the Air
Unit since earlier this year, serving as a tactical
flight officer. He previously served in the
Department’s Zone 2 precinct. He is survived by his
wife and three children, ages 5, 7, and 9.
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