Essex County 200 Club Awards Officer Willie Jones’ Valor

By Robert Foreman

On a daily basis, law enforcement officers are required to put their lives on the line to ‘protect and serve’ their communities. Often, their acts of valor go unnoticed. However, this was not the case with Orange police officer Willie Jones. On April 30, 2021, Officer Jones was honored with the Valor Award for his bravery in the line of duty by The Essex County 200 Club. The ceremony was held at the City of Orange Police Department.

On July 13, 2019, Officer Jones, 36, and Officer Josh Anderson were called to 400 Oakwood Ave for a volatile domestic dispute. The initial 911 call indicated that a male suspect, Jamahl Smith, had stabbed his sister, Tanya Smith. After arriving on the scene the officers encountered the suspect in the 3rd floor hallway of the building, brandishing a large kitchen knife. The officers ordered Smith to drop the knife, but he refused. Instead, the suspect began approaching Officer Jones, with the knife in hand, forcing the officer to shoot Smith three times.

While EMS was called Smith was later pronounced dead at the hospital. After an official review of the incident, it was determined that Officer Jones’ actions had not only saved the life of Smith’s sister, who had been stabbed several times, but the lives of multiple elderly residents in the building. It was because of his heroic actions that not only saved his life, but the lives of others, that Officer Jones became a natural recipient of the Valor Award.

Officer Jones, who was born in Essex County, New Jersey, admitted that the incident still remains with him nearly two years later.

“It was the first time that I had ever fired my gun in the line of duty,” said Officer Jones. “So, it definitely stays with you.”

While winning the Valor Award was an honor for Officer Jones, he was quick to acknowledge the actions of the other officer who was with him.

“First off, I want to thank Josh Anderson. He was my partner on the scene and he helped to secure the suspect. I don’t know why he didn’t get the award,” said Officer Jones. “But winning the award felt good. It was kind of an ‘ah’ moment. I mean, I don’t do this for the awards. I do it for the public, but it was nice to be acknowledged.”

For more information on the The Essex County 200 Club check here: http://200clubessexcounty.org/