NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – “I’m getting better, slowly, but I’m getting better,” explains Officer Jonathan Smith.
Officer Smith is speaking about his journey these past few months at a fundraiser where his coworkers and musicians gather to generate funds to help him make ends meet. Smith has been out since September 14th, the morning he came face to face with death.
The four year NOPD veteran was ambushed outside Gene’s Po-Boy’s while working a paid detail. He was shot multiple times, leaving him with a broken femur and a bullet lodged in his spine. Now the single father of two goes to rehab three times a week and is slowly getting better.
“It’s overwhelming just not being able to get around and be as independent as I once was, but you got to keep going,” says Smith.
Smith eventually plans to return to work as an NOPD officer. It’s not surprising after watching his reaction moments after he was shot telling those around him to go inside and take cover.
“I don’t remember all of it. I heard the same thing, but I mean it’s what we do.”
Officer Smith says his sister, Jean, inspired him to become join the NOPD. Now Jean says he’s an inspiration to her, and a reminder of what those on the force risk to protect.
“It is definitely a reminder, and hopefully people will appreciate it and be thankful that we are there. I mean, this is something that we choose to do and we are here because we want to be here. Nobody put us in these positions. We chose to do this,” says Jean.
Donations can be made online at: www.NOPJF.org (by way of Pay Pal)
Checks should be made payable to the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, Jonathan Smith written in memo section.
Monetary donations can be made to ANY Gulf Coast Bank & Trust in the account of Jonathan Smith
The funds will help Officer Smith and his family meet essential daily needs and to cover medical expenses and loss of income while he focuses on his recovery.