Officers Smiley and Halford

Officer Shawn A. Smiley and Officer Richard J. Halford died on November 3, 2012 in a helicopter crash while assisting in the search for a missing child.

Officer Richard J. Halford of Lithia Springs, age 48, joined the Atlanta Police Department in May 1986. Officer Richard Halford served the City of Atlanta for 26 years. At the age of 48, Officer Halford had committed more than half of his life to public safety. Officer Halford served as a pilot with the Air Unit and was also assigned to the Zone 4 precinct, Motors and DUI units. He is survived by his former wife, one adult daughter, his parents and a host of family and friends.

Officer Shawn A. Smiley of Lithonia, age 40, joined the Atlanta Police Department in October 2010. He had been with the Air Unit since 2012, serving as a tactical flight officer. He previously served in the Department’s Zone 2 precinct. Officer Smiley was also a Navy veteran. He is survived by his wife, three young children and a host of family and friends.