BARRON, Wis. (WJMC) — A Barron police officer has died.
Police Chief Joe Vierkandt said the off-duty death of officer Ben Smith was unexpected. The nature of Smith’s death was not specified but was under investigation and the chief asked for privacy for Smith’s family.
Smith had been with the department since January 2024, and prior, had worked with the Department of Corrections and Washburn County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the loss of the officer, Vierkandt said other local law enforcement agencies will be assisting the Barron Police Department, and their officers and vehicles will be covering shifts in the city.