Baldwin County sheriff's deputy dies in line-of-duty while rescuing swimmers

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — A Baldwin County sheriff's deputy died in the line of duty on June 6 while conducting a water rescue on the Fort Morgan Peninsula.

Deputy William "Bill" Smith made the ultimate sacrifice to save two distressed swimmers on Sunday. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor released the following statement regarding Smith's brave actions:

“On behalf of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Baldwin County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Smith. We join the law enforcement community in grieving the loss of a valiant and courageous hero,” Secretary Taylor said. “A veteran in law enforcement, Deputy Smith’s final actions resulted in the ultimate sacrifice, to save the life of a citizen. His service, sacrifice and brave actions will never be forgotten as a true hero to his local community and the entire state of Alabama.”

“In addition to Deputy Smith’s heroic sacrifice, our thoughts and prayers are also with his colleague, Deputy Sydney Wentworth, who bravely assisted in the rescue and is currently recovering.”