Jackson, Wyo. On Tuesday, January 22, 2019 Jackson Mayor, Pete Muldoon, presented the
Medal of Merit to Officer Phillip Smith. The Medal of Merit is one of the highest
commendations bestowed upon a Jackson Police Officer by the Chief of Police and is awarded
when an act of outstanding performance or service requiring extreme tenacity of purpose and
devotion to duty occurs.
In 2017 Jackson Police Officers responded to a medical assist call, which resulted in a heroin
overdose and death. While on the scene, Officer Smith recognized persons that were known to be
involved in the use and distribution of controlled substances. He spearheaded an extensive
investigation taking over ten months and gathered sufficient evidence to identify a suspect who
had delivered the controlled substance which resulted in the Wyoming Department of Criminal
Investigations issuing a warrant for negligent homicide and the suspect being arrested,
effectively removing a suspected narcotic dealer from our community.
“In the history of the Jackson Police Department this is only about the tenth time that we’ve
awarded this medal someone,” said Police Chief Todd Smith. “Phil lost his home this year in the
Roosevelt Fire and he has endured much personal strife, but he came to work everyday and got
the work done and is very deserving of this award.”
Officer Phillips is a graduate of Ohio University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree
in History. He took the Oath of Office with the Jackson Police Department on July 31, 2014.
Since that time, Officer Phillips has earned the recognition of “Jackson Police Employee of the
Quarter” and was awarded the title “Police Employee of the Year” in 2018 by his peers.
The Town of Jackson would like to acknowledge and commend Officer Phillip Smith for his
significant contributions in keeping our community safe and for being awarded the Jackson
Police Department Medal of Merit.