Fallen but Not Forgotten

The Atlanta Police Department lost three of its members last year and honored them Tuesday in a memorial service at Atlanta City Hall.

The service was held in advance of next week's annual Police Memorial Week in Washington, D.C. where the names of those three officers, Gail D. Thomas, Richard Halford and Shawn Smiley, will be placed on the National Police Memorial Wall.

Senior Officer Gail D. Thomas of Austell, 46, was struck by a vehicle while assisting another officer at a traffic accident on the Brookwood Interchange ramp in between Midtown and Buckhead. A sworn police officer for 15 years, she died at the scene. She is survived by her daughter, father, brothers and extended family.

Officer 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.