Following the tragic death of an Iowa State Patrol Trooper, several law enforcement officials are sharing their comments.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio when Sergeant Jim Smith was killed in the line of duty last week during a standoff in Grundy County, he was the embodiment of what hero is.

“He gave his life to the service of others. A voice for the voiceless, a protector of people that looked to him for assistance. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, but (he was) a true hero.”

Clouse says there are Iowa State Troopers that live in Jefferson as well.

“They become part of our community. They are serving our community as well, even though they are working on the western half of the whole state of Iowa is their territory. But they are part of our community and contribute to protection of law enforcement in our community as well.”

Clouse adds, his department has had a positive relationship and has worked well with Iowa State Patrol on several cases and investigations.