RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – The Virginia State Police honored its fallen heroes at an exceptional memorial service on Wednesday.

A tolling of the bell, portraits and tributes marked the anniversaries of 13 state troopers who died in the line of duty.

67 state troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice were remembered as each name was called out.

Governor Glenn Youngkin gave the keynote address and used Bible scripture to describe the selflessness of Virginia’s service men and women.

“Today, we honor them. Today, we stand with their families,” Youngkin said. “These were lives that were lived with great purpose and character.”

Families of those killed stood as their loved ones’ names were called, including an entire row of family for fallen trooper Nathan-Michael W. Smith.

Trooper Smith was 27 years old when he was killed in a car accident while on duty ten years ago. His widow, Jennifer, and two children were in attendance for the memorial service.

“They were actually one and five when the incident happened, and so, you know, we do live through these memories and these ceremonies because their memories are starting to fade as they’re getting older,” Jennifer Smith said.

“He was the brightest guy I knew. He was adventurous. He taught me music, which I love to this day,” Nathan-Michael William Smith II, 15, said, remembering his father. “As a kid, you know, it’s hard losing a dad, but at the end of the day, you try to push through.”

“I’m just grateful that they get to experience this. They get to, you know, brag on their dad and make their heart smile because they do miss those moments where other children get to spend time with their dads and do different events, so this is like their moment to get to shine on their dad,” Jennifer added.

The Powhatan High School “One Voice” Concert Choir sang the national anthem.

And the Virginia State Police Honor Guard presented a memorial wreath.

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RICHMOND – The men and women of the Virginia State Police and their families will gather in Richmond on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, to honor all public safety professionals who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to the safety of the Commonwealth of Virginia.   Governor Glenn Youngkin will be the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

Wednesday’s service will recognize all 67 of the Department’s law enforcement professionals who have died in the line of duty, to include a special tribute to the following sworn members in which 2025 marks a significant milestone:

Inspector Thomas A. Belt, 95 Years                                           Trooper Donald E. Lovelace, 55 Years

Trooper William R. Thompson, 90 Years                                 Investigator Claude E. Seymour, 50 Years

Trooper George F. Miller, 80 Years                                           Trooper Leo Whitt, 40 Years

Trooper William T. Flippen Jr., 80 Years                                  Trooper Henry N. Harmon, 30 Years

Trooper Joseph B. Thomas, 75 Years                                        Trooper Mark D. Barrett, 15 Years

Trooper Robert E. Porter, 75 Years                                           Trooper Nathan-Michael W. Smith, 10 Years

Trooper Jackie M. Bussard, 55 Years

Each tribute includes a single bell toll and an Honor Guard salute. Additional information on those being honored is available at https://vsp.virginia.gov/about-us/woodson-gallery.

Virginia State Police 2025 Police Officers’ Memorial Service – Media are Invited to Attend

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Virginia State Police Gymnasium, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, Va.