TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- One year ago, a Leon County deputy was killed in the line of duty.
Since then, there's been a number of memorials, tributes, and vigils in honor of the late Chris Smith.
It's a day our community will never forget.
The morning of November 22, 2014, a house was on fire on Caracus Court. Deputy Chris Smith responded and was shot and killed in an ambush.
Neighbors heard the gunshots.
"My son came to me and told me a couple of deputies had went up the road, went to the door looked up the road to see what was going," said Tallahassee Police Officer Scott Angulo.
He made sure his family was safe, then went to help.
"I got my patrol rifle and vest and I went up the road to try to help out," said Officer Angulo. "I got up there found, Deputy (Colin) Wulfekuhl and he had been hit a couple of times and found the bad guy and then found him and then eventually after a few exchanges of fire I was able to put him down."
Deputies say the suspect, Curtis Wade Holley, purposely set the house on fire and intended to kill as many first responders as possible.
Tallahassee Police Chief Michael Deleo says Officer Angulo stopped a "would-be mass murderer."
Officer Angulo was named officer of the year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for his actions.
"The community lost a great man, Chris Smith," said Angulo. "By all means, he was a great role model, great husband, father. you know we lost a lot that day."
Back in May, in Washington, D.C., we were there as deputy Smith's family gathered to see his name etched in marble at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
The Police Unity Tour pedaled to the memorial all the way from Portsmouth, Virginia. Chris Smith's brother, Bill, was part of that ride.
Thousands were there for a candlelight vigil and ceremony to show their respect after the bike ride.
Bill Smith says he's reminded of his brother often.
"I think about him every single day, every single day," said Smith. "Every time I see a law enforcement officer, it rushes through my mind. It's really bizarre. It's constant, especially on Facebook when you see all the negative media towards law enforcement."
Chris Smith is also listed on a new memorial that sits outside the Leon County Sheriff's Office.
"We hope that this is a gentle and respectful reminder of the sacrifice that the men and women of the sheriff's office have made and do make everyday," said Leon County Sheriff Mike Wood.
One of the department's helicopters bears the badge number of Deputy Smith. It's all so very touching to Bill Smith.
"It's just a very fantastic thing that they've done," said Bill Smith. "I'm very honored that Chris is honored this way. It really does mean a lot to me and my family."
Leon County Detective James Morgan worked nights with deputy Smith for two years.
"Chris was really light-hearted," said Det. Morgan. "We used to laugh and joke throughout the night when he got moved to day shift he was pretty light-hearted, talked a lot about family, a real likeable guy."
Law enforcement officers are like family to one another.
"In Leon County, we have so many different agencies, but everybody felt what our agency felt that day," said Det. Morgan. "We had cars riding around with his I.D. on it, civilian cars other agencies cars because everyone was touched by it."
Det. Morgan says first responders have a special calling, and he encourages you to say 'thank you' to those who put their lives on the line every day.
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