Fallen Virginia State Police troopers honored in memorial ceremony

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Former state police officers were honored on Wednesday in an emotional ceremony at the Virginia State Police (VSP) headquarters. 

On Wednesday, May 21, state police remembered 67 troopers who have died in the line of duty dating back nearly a century.

Several families were in attendance to celebrate their loved ones.

One was the family of former state trooper Nathan-Michael Smith, who joined the department in 2013.

According to officials, Smith died in 2015 after his patrol car ran off an exit ramp toward I-95 in Prince George County trying to help a fellow trooper. Smith was flown to VCU Medical Center where he died later that morning.

His wife Jennifer said he was a people person who loved to help others.

“It's just been a journey and it's nice to know that he's not forgotten,” Smith said. “I think it is awesome. I think it is representative of who he was as a person. I only ever hear great things, so that's the memory that lives on.”

A memory that also lives on in his children. Smith’s son Nathan-Michael II and daughter Zoe Smith were just five and one years old when he passed away. They say they’re proud to honor his legacy.

“He was adventurous. He taught me music, which I love to this day. He taught me how to be outgoing,” Smith II said. “As a kid, it's hard losing a dad. But that's -- at the end of the day you've got to push through and fight.” 

Smith II said he’s still thinking about his career path. But he said he wouldn’t mind following in his father’s footsteps.