From student to protector: Officer Will Smith comes full circle in Stockbridge

by Melissa McPherson

Officer Ronald “Will” Smith of the Stockbridge Police Department, knew he wanted to be a police officer in the 10th grade; that’s when he began taking law enforcement classes at the career center. Despite this, Smith’s path to becoming a police officer was not a straight line. A graduate of Stockbridge High School’s class of 2014, he joined the United States Marine Corps after graduation, where he served for three years. 

Smith became the second full-time officer for the Stockbridge Police department in 2023 after completing police academy training sponsored by the department. In the spring of 2024, another new member of the team joined him, one who would become not only his partner, but his best friend.

Mohawk, a 3-year-old yellow lab, joined the department in the spring of 2024 as part of the department’s K9 unit. He and Officer Smith were certified and put on patrol in the Summer of 2024. Mohawk was trained in both narcotics detection and helping to track and locate missing children and vulnerable adults.

“Luckily,” Smith said, “Stockbridge isn’t really a crime-ridden place, so we didn’t have much opportunity to use those skills. I count that as a blessing.” Mohawk and Officer Smith were deployed on several calls to aid in areas outside of our community and were often seen at local events.

A few weeks ago, Mohawk retired. He is now enjoying life as Officer Smith’s pet instead of his partner.

“He loves the snow,” Officer Smith said, “And now he just gets to play in it all day.”

Officer Smith’s career however, is just getting started. Now that he is no longer with the K-9 unit, Smith works as the School Resource Officer. He spends his day making sure the students at Emma Smith Elementary, Heritage School and Stockbridge Jr./Sr. High School are safe and that the buildings are secure. He makes himself available to both students and staff should a problem arise, helps mitigate the chaos that is lunchtime, and patrols the parking lots and crosswalks before and after school.

When asked what it is like to work in the same school he attended, Officer Smith said, “It’s odd. I never imagined I’d be back. Everything is the same but I’m seeing it through different eyes. There’s quite a bit of nostalgia too.”

According to Smith, Stockbridge Police could possibly have another K-9 Unit in the future, but for now he is enjoying the work he does at the schools. Although some of the kids can be a bit challenging, Smith says he tries to approach every student with grace and understanding.

No matter the assignment, Officer Smith loves his work and is committed to protecting and serving the men, women and children of our community.

Photos provided by Officer Smith.