In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Jody Smith

On Friday, September 3, 2021, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia briefed residents that they had lost one of their members to the pandemic. Deputy Sheriff Jody Smith, age 49, died as a result of complications after contracting COVID19. The federal government has mandated that all first responders who pass from COVID be treated as line-of-duty-deaths. This legislation was passed to protect families who lost a loved one due to their occupation as officers.

Deputy Jody Smith served his community as a member of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. He proudly wore badge number 950 for the past eight years as a deputy in Carrol County. He was well-known, well-liked, and the first to help others in need.

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office

The Carroll County Sheriff’s office is located in Carrollton, Georgia. The deputies in this department provide safety and law enforcement services to approximately 120,000 residents. The agency is responsible for patrolling more than 504 square miles. These officers also provide assistance on court orders, ensure security at the courthouse and help residents in need.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is also responsible for maintaining the county jail. Currently, due to the COVID19 pandemic, visitations have been severely restricted. As a result, many law enforcement agencies, jails, and prison facilities have suffered greatly during the past couple of months. The community heroes are the ones who, despite an invisible enemy, choose to show up each day to help others.

Remembrances

Deputy Sheriff Jody Smith leaves behind his wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. A community prayer vigil had been held the night before his death, where hundreds of residents came together in prayer.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office was heartbroken by the devastating news of Deputy Smith. They asked for prayers for the Smith family. “Our hearts are heavy tonight as we learned that one of our beloved Deputies, Jody Smith passed away earlier this evening due to complications from COVID. We are heartbroken for those left behind, his family, blood and blue, his friends, and all the lives he has touched during his eight years with us at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Jody was such a kind and gentle soul. He was always sweet and willing to step up whenever needed; he never seemed to have a bad day. Jody would always be smiling or laughing whenever you would see him because he was just a happy person, and that exuded through his work and should be evident by the love his community has shown him and his family these past few days. We have comfort in knowing he will be watching over us all, and we ask that everyone continue to pray for his family, his co-workers, and all those who are suffering from this unforgiving illness. We will take the watch from here until we meet again, Rest in Peace Deputy Jody Smith. The Carroll County Sheriff asked for prayers for his family and co-workers, and those suffering from this unforgiving illness.

Until we meet again, Rest in Peace Deputy Jody Smith, we will take the watch from here.”

Resident Barb Green shared her thoughts on social media. “I am really deeply moved by the loss you all have suffered so recently. It seems that CCSO has had more than its share in the last couple of years. So dedicated! So willing to serve! Leaving behind families that also sacrificed. There must be something that can be done collectively to help these families.”