Band renames building to honor officer

The Fond du Lac Resource Management & Tribal Court building has been renamed the John A. Smith Memorial Building, honoring a retired conservation officer who died at age 69 on Dec. 25. Smith served in many prominent capacities, including interim police chief for FDL and District III Reservation Business Committee representative.

Being a conservation officer was his calling, however. Working for FDL for 47 years, Smith was the chief conservation officer protecting resources both on and off the reservation.

Smith's badge number was also retired under action by the Reservation Business Committee.

"John did what he had to do without expecting anything in return," said RBC secretary treasurer Ferdinand Martineau Jr. "He was one of the first conservation officers for the Band and was an integral part of resource management. He helped write most of the policies and code that still protect our natural resources today. There is not another person who loved their job more than he did."

"He was not only a pillar of his family, but a pillar of our community, said District III Representative Roger Smith Sr. "He was a colleague, mentor, but, most of all a great friend."