MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — On Wednesday, first responders from across the state joined in the procession for fallen Stone County Deputy Justin Smith after he was killed in the line of duty Tuesday while serving an arrest warrant.
The Stone County Courthouse has a memorial set up to honor Justin Smith, and several people have left flowers and notes to show their love for the well-known deputy and his family.
"I had my radio on when it happened," Stone County Judge Stacey Avey said. "I heard the call for him, and it was just a sad moment."
Stone County Sheriff Brandon Long said the loss has been difficult for him and the entire department.
"Everybody at this agency is heartbroken to have suffered a tragedy such as this," Long said.
Those closest to Justin Smith said he loved the outdoors and serving his community.
"He loved that job," Justin Smith's son Ashley Smith said. "He loved helping people in this county, so we are very proud of him."
Avey described Justin Smith as a man who truly loved his job and loved people.
"He was just one of them," Avey said. "He could get along with anybody. He did his job well [and] he wasn't ever out of line with people. He just wanted the world to be a better place."
His life was cut short as he served a warrant to 52-year-old Clifton Hefton.
According to Arkansas State Police, Hefton reportedly resisted arrest and fatally shot Justin Smith.
He's now being held at the Cleburne County Detention Center without bond for charges of capital murder.
"It's just a sad day for many people here," Avey said.
This isn't the first time a Stone County deputy was killed in the line of duty, as the sheriff's office lost Deputy Mike Stephen in 2019.
"They have to go out, and they have to go out and do their duty," Avey said. "Justin was doing his duty yesterday when he got to the house, and what transpired at that moment was just an unfortunate situation."
As the community continues to support Justin Smith and his family, Avey has one request.
"I just want people to pray for his family and pray for the department here in Stone County so they can heal and get through this trying time," Avey said.
An account has been set up at Centennial Bank in Mountain View to provide support and financial assistance for Smith's family. The Stone County Sheriff's Office said anyone can donate to the "Officer Justin Smith Benefit" by visiting a branch in Mountain View or calling (870) 269-1801.
Services for Smith will be held at the Ozark Folk Center on Jan. 6 at 11:00 a.m.