Thursday Marks Five Year Anniversary of Sgt. Smith’s Death

Thursday marks five years since the death of Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith of Independence.

Smith was responding to an incident in Grundy Center on April 9th, 2021, in which a suspect barricaded himself inside his home after fleeing from a traffic stop and assaulting an officer. The suspect, Michael Lang of Grundy Center, shot and killed Smith as he and three other Iowa State Patrol troopers entered the home. 

Lang was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. 

Smith, who made his home in Independence, was 51 years old and a 27-year veteran of the force.

On Saturday, the 5th Annual Jim Smith 4.62 Mile Memorial Walk/Run will take place in Jesup to honor Sergeant Smith. It begins at 9 am at Jesup Bible Fellowship, where Smith was a member. There will be a gathering inside for words of remembrance, prayer and the singing of our National Anthem before the walk/run begins. There will also be tributes and displays in the lobby, as well as videos in different areas as the community continues to remember the impact that Jim had (and still has) on the lives of those he left behind.

image courtesy of Independence Chamber