Middletown Mourning Loss Of Police Officer Who Had An 'Unwavering Dedication To Service'

MIDDLETOWN, CT — One of Middletown's finest is being mourned after a battle with cancer.

The Middletown Police Department Thursday announced the passing of Detective Sergeant Daniel Smith.

Smith, known in local circles as "Smitty," was 42.

Smith served the city of Middletown for 19 years and was respected for his humble demeanor, kind disposition, and "unwavering dedication to service," police said.

He was a member of the department's Special Investigations Unit and, police said, "worked tirelessly to protect victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault."

He also served as a patrol supervisor and fire investigator as part of the arson unit.

An honors procession brought Smith from Yale New Haven Hospital to a local funeral home Thursday.

Said police, "Please keep Sgt. Smith’s family in your thoughts and prayers, especially his 9 year old son.

"We would like to thank the members of our community for the outpouring support as the news of his passing circulated ... A special thank you to the New Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Cromwell Police Department, Middletown Fire Department and South District Fire for assisting with the escort of Sgt. Smith and his family to Middletown (Thursday).

Police said additional information and official obituary will be posted in the near future.

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