INDEPENDENCE, Iowa - The family of an Iowa State Trooper who was killed this month is expressing its appreciation.
Sgt. Jim Smith died in a standoff with a man now charged with his murder.
Smith was a 27-year veteran of the Iowa State Patrol and worked primarily in the tactical squad.
His family has released a public letter thanking numerous groups, including citizens from across America, for helping them through a difficult time.
The family released the following statement:
"The family of Sergeant Jim Smith would like to thank the Independence community, our church families, citizens from across America, Iowa COPS, Governor Reynolds and other leaders of this state, the Iowa State Patrol and his brothers and sisters in blue for helping us through this very difficult time. Your support was, and still is, incredible as we navigate through life without our Superhero. Jim wanted people to seek opportunities to do God’s work and to make a lasting impact for God’s glory. To honor his memory, we ask you to continue supporting law enforcement in this way and to “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you."