PALATKA, Fla. – Family, community members and law enforcement officers from around the state gathered Thursday morning to honor a Putnam County deputy who died last week in a boating accident.
Deputy Brandee Smith, 35, was off duty early last Friday morning on the St. Johns River in Welaka with her boyfriend when their small boat hit a channel marker. Her body was recovered the next afternoon.
Hundreds of people who gathered for her funeral at the Florida School of the Arts auditorium on the campus of St. Johns River State College in Palatka remembered Smith as a great friend, a loving mother and somebody that this community could count on.
There a huge turnout of law enforcement from multiple agencies and other emergency responders in Putnam County. The service was short, but left a strong impression even on those who never met Smith.
"It was very moving, very touching with the family," said Frank Mackey, a retired detective from Wayne, New Jersey. "I'm sure the family appreciates the support and seeing how many people came out for them."
Those who knew Smith said she loved the water, spending a lot of time on the St Johns River. She also loved her family and her job with the Sheriff’s Office.
"She was an excellent mother, a great student in school and she was very loved by her family," said Jessica Zielinski said. "Her sisters were very close. She's got a great mom and she's taking care of those girls. They're just wonderful people, all of them."
After the service a procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles, friends, and family made its way to Palatka Memorial Gardens for Smith’s burial with full law enforcement honors.
Many Putnam County residents have vowed support her family and her agency.
"It's heartbreaking. It means a lot to us," Ted Stackpoles said. "Our law-enforcement and those that serve in other capacities in civil service in our community, every one of them is vitally important to keeping our community safe."
Smith will be remembered by many for the life that she lived and the sacrifices she made serving the Putnam County community.
"She helped in many efforts with lost children and help(ed) console children. She was loved very much by her sisters," Zielinski said, "She is definitely going to be missed."
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office's Ten-24 Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on providing a support network for all Putnam County law enforcement agencies, their employees and families, is collecting donations on behalf of Smith's family.
To donate, go to www.ten24foundation.org. Under the “Contact” tab is a "Donate" button. The form can also be used to contact the Ten-24 Foundation about any non-monetary donations.