Community honors Wilson police captain who died in line of duty

The town of Wilson is honoring a police captain who died in the line of duty this week.

Captain Reggie Smith served with the Wilson Police Department for nearly 23 years, according to a Facebook post by the department. He died from a medical condition while out in the field, the post said.

He began as a patrol officer and then was promoted to captain in 2018.

"Smith was an integral part of the Wilson Police Athletic League, most recently serving as president," the post read. "Captain Smith served as a mentor and friend to countless Wilson youth."

No other information about how he died was released to the public.

There were more than 800 comments on the department's Facebook page filled with stories about how Smith affected the Wilson community.

"He was one of the truest friends to have in your corner. It was a honor to serve with him working patrol, special investigation, and the honor guard, law enforcement choir," a former officer, Travis Sherrod, wrote on Facebook.

The police department held a funeral procession for Smith on Saturday afternoon.