A western Wisconsin police department is raising money for the family of one of its officers after his unexpected death.

Barron Police Department Officer Bennett Mitchell Smith, 26, died while off duty on Wednesday. Smith had been with the department since early 2024. Before joining the department, Smith worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office.

The department recently shared a fundraiser organized by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Death Response Team meant to support Smith’s family, his wife, Jenn, and their one-year-old son.

Money raised will also go toward raising awareness for mental health in law enforcement officers.

"Beyond his work, Bennett was a man of boundless enthusiasm and a deep passion for life. He was known for his exper

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