On the morning of September 20, 1983, 28-year-old Sergeant Dennis M. Smedley of the Front Royal Police Department was ambushed outside his home as he prepared to leave for work. Wearing his police uniform, he was shot in the back multiple times by one or more unknown assailants who fled the scene. Smedley’s death is the only line-of-duty fatality in the department’s history.

Investigators pursued numerous leads over the years, and two separate people were later arrested and tried in connection with the killing; both were acquitted. The case remains an active, unsolved homicide under the Virginia State Police and the Town of Front Royal Police Department. The community has continued to honor Smedley’s service and sacrifice, including a 40th anniversary dedication of the North Commerce Avenue bridge in his memory.

If anyone knew Sergeant Smedley, saw activity near his home that morning, or has information about who lay in wait that night, please come forward.