(Oelwein, IA) -- A public memorial has been set up at the Iowa State Patrol's District 10 office in Oelwein, to honor Sergeant Jim Smith, who died after being shot in a Grundy Center standoff Friday night. Smith is the second Iowa State Trooper to die after a line of duty shooting since 1936.
Authorities returned Smith's body from the State Medical Examiner's Office yesterday (Sunday) to a funeral home in Independence. As per protocol, an Iowa State Trooper will remain on 24-hour guard at that location to honor Smith.
Statement from the Iowa Department of Public Safety:
The Department of Public Safety and Sergeant Jim Smith's family would like to thank the public for the amazing show of support. We have quickly realized that as we grieve our loss you are also grieving. We have been asked where the community can bring flowers, cards or even items for the family. We have posted a memorial display of Sergeant Jim Smith's patrol car at the District 10 Office - 15239 35th Street, Oelwein, IA. If you wish to honor Sergeant Jim Smith, please feel free to stop by.
Michael Lang remains in critical condition after the shooting. He has been charged with First Degree Murder. Bond is set at one million dollars.
(Photo from Iowa State Patrol)