Chief Jimmy Dean Smith
1981 - 2011

Former Lompoc Police Chief and Mayor Jimmy Dean (J.D.) Smith passed away on August 12, 2011, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Chief Smith was 80 years old.

Chief Smith was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was raised in Modesto, California. He married his wife Nina in 1950. Chief Smith was a member of the Elks Lodge #2274, the American Legion #211, and enjoyed woodworking and RV cruising.

Chief Smith began his career with the Fullerton Police Department in 1953 where he served as a patrol officer, motor officer, law enforcement trainer, detective, sergeant and lieutenant.

Chief Smith left Fullerton in 1966 and went to work for the Tulare County Sheriff's Office as a Captain. After serving in Tulare County for one year, the newly-elected sheriff replaced the entire command staff, and Chief Smith sought employment with the City of Lompoc.

Chief Smith went to the Lompoc Police Department as an Assistant Chief in 1967. He served as the Assistant Chief and Acting Police Chief until 1970 when he was appointed as the sixth Chief of Police for the City of Lompoc. Chief Smith served as Police Chief for 16 years and retired in 1986.

Chief Smith served in the United States Coast Guard between 1950 and 1953. He held an Associate of Arts degree from Fullerton Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from La Verne College. He was a graduate of the 99th class of the F.B.I. National Academy and received numerous commendations and accolades during his career. He was presented with a citation from Governor Ronald Reagan for his outstanding work in crime prevention and law enforcement services.

Chief Smith served on the California Police Chiefs Association board of directors for six years between 1972 and 1977. He was the President of the California Police Chiefs Association in 1976.

Chief Smith was selected as the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce "Man of the Year" in 1978.

After his retirement, Chief Smith was elected to the Lompoc City Council in 1986, and in 1990 was elected Mayor of Lompoc and served one term as Mayor.

Chief Smith instituted many programs and efforts that are still practiced today in the Lompoc Police Department. He established Explorer Post 700, the chaplaincy corps, and a youth services program. He was very conscious of the fact that the Department's interaction with the youth of the community paved the way for better citizenship and improved relations in the future.

Chief J.D. Smith was admired by law enforcement professionals throughout the State of California for his leadership and was endeared by Lompoc residents as one of their own.

Chief Smith is survived by his wife Nina of Lompoc, his son Ronald (Peggy) of Nevada City, his daughter Brenda Cota of Lompoc, two granddaughters Amy Highsmith and Haley Smith and three great grand sons Michael, Jonathon and Cameron Highsmith.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A Street in Lompoc. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011, at 1 pm at Lompoc Foursquare Church, 125 North C Street in Lompoc.