I had the pleasure to meet this great man this past July. I had intentions of inviting him to the LVPPA to speak to our members. He is the definition of perseverance. Please read his story if you can. It is inspiring to say the least.
The Louisiana State Police family has suffered another terrible loss this morning with the sudden death of Trooper Bobby Smith. Words are inadequate to describe the life, the love and character of Bobby. In the 80’s, Bobby was shot in the face by an assailant on a traffic stop. He lost his sight, his career and his marriage. Never one to succumb to adversity, Bobby earned a PhD, authored books and set out on a path of helping others. He found love again and married Janie. As if the unspeakable challenges Bobby had overcome weren’t enough, he lost his only daughter, Kimberley, in a car crash and later lost his only son, Brad. However, Bobby’s will to help others would carry him through his personal challenges as he traveled the world sharing his story and lifting up others. In 2008, Colonel Edmonson welcomed Bobby back into the LSP family where he become an invaluable staff advisor. He will be greatly missed.
Colonel Mike Edmonson statement:
“We lost an indelible soul this morning…… Bobby Smith. As I stand in his living room and my eyes circle the room, it is evident how important his family and LSP were to him. I brought Bobby home yesterday from the funeral of WBR Deputy Donna Leblanc and her daughter. As we talked about the tragedy, his thoughts were of his wife, Janie and his kids. Mostly of his daughter Kim whom he buried 19 years ago yesterday. He was incredibly proud to be a Louisiana State Trooper, a family he held close in his heart. We lost a part of all of us this morning, but Bobby Smith continues to guide all whom he touched. Heaven has welcomed home a hero.”