Judson Smith, Hanover County Emergency Communications Center, VA

Line of duty death incidents are events no department or communications center ever wants to experience. For those involved and responding to them, it tests every aspect of their beings. On October 11, 2018, Judson Smith rose to the occasion when his department experienced such an event.

Judson, a Shift Supervisor with the Hanover County (VA) Emergency Communications Center who is also a volunteer firefighter-medic, was on duty as staffing was augmented in preparation for Tropical Storm Michael’s arrival.  The National Weather Service had issued a Tornado Watch and Flash Flood Warning for much of Virginia, and the communications center was already dealing with an influx of calls. Numerous calls for trees down, power outages and significant flooding were already coming in when a two-car vehicle accident was received on Interstate 295.  Shortly before 9 p.m. fire and EMS crews were dispatched and little did they know that this call would change their organization forever.  Immediately upon the arrival of Engine 6, a tractor-trailer crashed into the crew and it resulted in the line of duty death for Lt. Brad Clark and serious injuries to two of his crew mates.

The professionalism and actions of everyone working in the 9-1-1 center this particular night were commendable. However, noteworthy beyond all others was the one handling this incident and all the associated radio traffic, Judson Smith. As part of the augmented staffing he volunteered to work the fire/EMS radio. During the incident, not only was Judson able to handle the high volume of radio traffic related to the accident, he remained confident, professional and, most importantly, calm. He fielded requests for additional resources without hesitation and voiced, through his calm demeanor and tenor, reassurance to the responders who were coming to the aid of their fallen and injured comrades. His dedication to those who he serves was evident with his every action. Judson’s performance never faltered, even as the night progressed, and he remained steadfast in his responsibilities.

Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Lt. Brad Clark and his injured crew members. 

On behalf of APCO International, we honor Judson’s actions during the tragic event and bestow upon him the Teammates in Action recognition.