On March 13, 2013, Officer Joseph Smith suffered a heart attack and died at his home shortly after completing his shift with Chesterfield Police at around 10:00 pm.

Officer Smith was a 31-year veteran of law enforcement, including the last 17 years with Chesterfield Police. He had also served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the St Louis County Police Drug Unit.

Officer Smith was survived by his wife and three children.