Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, John Boozman honor Stone County deputy killed in line of duty

Arkansas Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman paid tribute to a Stone County deputy that was killed in the line of duty earlier this month. Authorities said that Deputy Justin Smith was shot and killed Jan. 2 while trying to serve a warrant to 52-year-old Clinton Hefton, the man who is accused of shooting him. Cotton and Boozman spoke at Capitol Hill on Smith’s character and dedication while reflecting on his 24 years working in law enforcement.

By: Miriam Battles
KARK

Arkansas Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman paid tribute to a Stone County deputy that was killed in the line of duty earlier this month.

Authorities said that Deputy Justin Smith was shot and killed Jan. 2 while trying to serve a warrant to 52-year-old Clinton Hefton, the man who is accused of shooting him.

Cotton and Boozman spoke at Capitol Hill on Smith’s character and dedication while reflecting on his 24 years working in law enforcement.

Deputy Smith was a gregarious and generous man, who made friends and smiled easily. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his large family. Deputy Smith is survived by his wife Lori, three sons, two daughters in law, three stepchildren, four siblings, and 14 grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins. Our prayers, and the prayers of all Arkansans are with his family in this time of pain and mourning. “With his passing, Arkansas has lost a selfless public servant, who reflected the very best of our state. Deputy Smith grew up in Arkansas and worked in law enforcement for 24 years, first as a corrections officer and then at the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked for the past 14 years. Time and again, he went above and beyond the call of duty. -SENATOR TOM COTTON

Deputy Smith loved his job working for the good of his family, friends and neighbors. He was proud to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of Arkansans and took advantage of that opportunity on countless occasions. Those who served alongside him recognized his compassion and the helpful influence he had on the youth he worked with – two marks of any special public servant. As Deputy Smith knew, we depend on law enforcement officers to keep us safe. His death is a tragic reminder of the risks these men and women face each day and it prompts us to ensure we always offer the gratitude and respect they so richly deserve in exchange for the tremendous sacrifices they make. -SENATOR JOHN BOOZMAN

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