The Shelton Police Department received a new rifle in memory of fallen officer Sgt. Orville Smith.
The cost of the rifle was donated by the American Military University, which presented the gun to the department Wednesday morning.
The University was founded by a retired Marine Corps Officer and the University wished to recognize Sgt. Smith’s two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Marine and his 39 years of service with the Shelton Police Department.
The rifle was engraved: “In Memory of Sgt. Smith S5. Compliments of The American Military University.”
Representing the University was Timothy Hardiman a retired NYPD Inspector and former Marine.
The Public Safety Group of the University felt that a donation of important police equipment, which would protect not only the officers of the Shelton Police Department but also the citizens of Shelton, was very appropriate.
Smith died in early July, after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while he directed traffic after a fireworks event.
In October, the department purchased three rifles with money raised from Smith’s memorial fund.
Smith’s family requested that proceeds from the memorial fund go toward police department equipment purchases.
