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The annual Smarr Smith gala was held at the Georgia Southwestern Storm Dome. The gala, named in honor of fallen officers Nicholas Smarr and Jody Smith, raises money to support the safety of police officers by providing funds for training and equipment.

Brandon Laethem, with the Sumter County Sheriff’s office, Detective Seargent Joshua Greene, with the Americus Police Department, and Kentravious Shannon, with the Georgia Southwestern University Police Department, were each honored as officer of the year in their respective departments.

Brandon Laethem shared his reaction to receiving the award. “I’m astonished by it. It’s an honor.” However, he says the emphasis should not be taken away from Smith and Smarr. He also believes the honor is shared by every officer risking their lives.

Laethem started at the Sheriff’s Department mid-May of 2023. After leaving the Marine Corp, he missed the brotherhood he shared with his fellow soldiers. He found it again in law enforcement.

He shared some of his career highlights. “Most of my highlights are from day-to-day activities, interacting with people, even during traffic stops.” While he admitted getting pulled over wasn’t something people enjoyed, he appreciated working with the community. “Some people leave with a ticket, but I give out more warnings than anything else.”

Another highlight for Laethem is saving lives. Lathem was able to respond with Corporal Christopher Slocumb in the aftermath of a shooting last year, and assisted in saving a young man’s life. A low point came after they both responded to another shooting. A young woman they tried to save later succumbed to her wounds.

Lieutenant Colonel Steven Russell was the keynote speaker at the gala, a former congressman, author, and leader of one of the half dozen units who hunted down Sadaam Hussien.

He told the story of how they tracked him down, involving the capture of family and various members of Sadaam’s inner circle. “Those events altered the course of my life.” While time has passed, the memories remain. “It’s been almost 22 years now. You wonder where the time goes. It was an honor to be a part of it. My unit wasn’t the only one involved, but we were one of the major units involved from start to finish.”

Russell says he didn’t intend on getting involved in politics. He traced his path to Congress from early veteran’s advocacy and attending rallies. “We would go to Capitol Hill to, especially during the surge, tell him not to quit.” His concern for veterans eventually led to his service as an Oklahoma Congressman. Retired from politics, he now works in the mission field in jungle aviation.

Law enforcement is dear to Russell’s heart, with his youngest daughter working as a detective. “I’m a dad of a law enforcement officer, and we’re extraordinarily proud of her, and we are grateful for all of those that serve the public.”

Russell believes the public is largely unaware of the number of tragedies that law enforcement prevents. “Most Americans live in complete ignorance of the things that never happened.” He also highlighted the commitment of officers. “They don’t get paid a lot. They do what they do because they’re kind of wired to do that.” He encouraged communities to support their local law enforcement, even if it meant raising the millage rate.

Russell also shared his impression of the gala. “What was moving for me tonight was to meet the family, the parents of Nick Smarr and Jody Smith.”

 

Correction: It was the Smarr Smith gala, not Smith Smarr.