By GREG JORDAN
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
PRINCETON– Ignoring frigid cold and blowing snow, family, friends, colleagues in the law enforcement community and agencies across the region paid tribute this morning to one of Mercer County’s most respected officers, Detective Lt. Charles J. Smothers Jr. of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department.
During services in the Bluefield City Auditorium, Smothers was remembered for his love of family, contributions to his community and his dedication to duty. Smothers joined the sheriff’s department 22 years ago and spent much of that time working undercover.
Speaking during funeral services, Sgt. Jose Centeno recalled Smothers’ ability to remember names, ages, dates and other information pertaining to investigations without having to consult records. Smothers investigated many cases with the Southern Regional Drug & Violent Crime Task Force.
As the services concluded and a line of sheriff’s department and West Virginia State Police cruisers started the procession to Roselawn Memorial Gardens near Princeton, Mercer County 911 issued one last call for Unit 157, Detective Lt. Charles J. Smothers Jr.
