'Christmas Smiles for Smiley' a Fundraiser for the Children of Fallen APD Helicopter Pilot, Ofc. Smiley

Officer Smiley is survived by 3 young children.

The tragic loss of Officers Richard Halford and Shawn Smiley is a reminder of the sacrifice APD officers make every day - risking their lives to keep our city safe.  They were flying an APD Air Unit helicopter,  while responding to assist with the search of a 9-year-old boy, when they hit a power line and crashed. Both men were outstanding officers and served our community with honor and integrity. Officer Smiley joined the APD in October 2010 and joined the Air Unit earlier this year, serving as a tactical flight officer. He previously served in the Department's Zone 2 precinct. He is survived by his wife and three children, ages 5, 7, and 9. Officer Halford joined the APD in May 1986. He had been with the Air Unit for more than 16 years…

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Letter to the Editor: Atlanta Police Thanks the Community for their Support During their Loss

The Atlanta Police Department lost 2 great pilots, officers, friends and family members last week when their helicopter crashed.

To the Atlanta Community, The Atlanta Police Department would like to give a big THANK YOU to the citizens of  Atlanta, Dekalb Co., Fulton Co. & College Park.   As the police motorcade came through your jurisdiction, the traffic was shut down to allow us to proceed to bury our brothers in BLUE. We saw people standing at attention, crying, waving, taking pictures and creating videos. It is an impressive site to watch and it will take your breath away. Thank you for your patience and kind hearts during this difficult time here at the Atlanta Police Department, it is greatly appreciated. Officer K. Y. Jones Atlanta Public Safety HDQ Office of the Chief of Police Public Affairs

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Photos: Homegoing Service for 2nd Fallen Police Officer

Family, friends and colleagues cried,laughed, and shared their memories of Atlanta Police Officer Shawn Smiley, Saturday, during his funeral at First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

Video: Atlanta Police Officers Honor Fallen Hero, Richard Halford

Officer Richard Halford laid to rest on Friday, November 9th.

Over 200 police officers from across the entire state attended Officer Richard Halford's funeral on Friday morning. Officer Halford and Smiley both died when their APD helicopter lost control and crashed on Martin Luther King Drive. "He was just a great guy," said one of Halford's cousins, "we will miss him." Officer Halford's Bio

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Photos: Atlanta Police Honor Their Fallen Brother, Officer Halford's Funeral

Officers lined up for the motorcade which began at 9am from Turner Field.

Photos from the Atlanta Police Motorcade as they traveled from Turner Field to Jackson Memorial Baptist Church on 534 Fairburn Rd, Friday morning. Officer Halford was 1 of 2 officers killed when their police helicopter loss control and crashed horrifically on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, near H.E. Holmes.

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Funeral Arangements Made for Fallen APD Helicopter Officers

2 funerals are to be held Friday and Saturday for the officers.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Officer Richard J. Halford and Officer Shawn A. Smiley, Atlanta Police officers who died Saturday night when the helicopter they were riding in crashed on a northwest Atlanta street. Memorial funds have also been set up in honor of the officers and to assist family members with expenses, both immediate and long-term. Donations are accepted at any Wells Fargo bank location for the Officer Richard Halford Memorial Fund and/or the Officer Shawn Smiley Memorial Fund.

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Update: Officer Halford and Officer Smiley Die in APD Helicopter Crash on M.L. King Drive

Reports are starting to surface that the chopper was too old to be flying...

Atlanta Police Helicopter Crashes on Martin Luther King Dr., 2 Officers Dead

2 officers have been confirmed deceased after at APD helicopter crash around 10:30 pm Saturday evening.

In one of the most shocking police accidents of the year, an Atlanta Police helicopter lost control and fell out of the sky while clipping power lines at the corner of Martin Luther King and H.E. Holmes Drive on Saturday evening, November 3, 2012.  The 2 officers piloting the helicopter died at the fiery scene.  New reports suggest that the helicopter was to be replaced 10 years ago due to age. The officers that were killed, have been identified as Richard J. Halford of Lithia Springs and Shawn A. Smiley of Lithonia. Funerals will be held on Friday and Saturday. Officer Richard J. Halford of Lithia Springs, age 48, joined the APD in May 1986.  He had been with the Air Unit for more than 16 years, serving as a pilot. Officer Halford has …

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