Podcast Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Zone 7: Danger, Duty, and the Badge: Detective Tom Smith’s Story

Date: November 16, 2025
Host: Cheryl McCollum (hosting Zone 7, as part of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace)
Guest: Tom Smith, Retired NYPD Detective & National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame Inductee

Episode Theme & Overview

This Zone 7 special episode celebrates Detective Tom Smith — one of the “heroes the heroes look up to.” Host Cheryl McCollum explores Tom’s storied 35-year career on the NYPD, his influences, his most memorable and harrowing experiences, the importance of partnerships in policing and marriage, and his recent induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. Tom reflects candidly on the dangers, duty, self-sacrifice, and lasting bonds formed in a life spent in law enforcement.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family Legacy and Choosing the NYPD

• Tom’s Motivation: Tom discusses his father’s long career as an NYPD detective and how, growing up under his father’s influence, he never considered any path other than joining the NYPD.

  • Quote:

    “I grew up idolizing my dad and wanting to be like him...When you have that drive of wanting to be like your dad and wanting to serve in the best police department in the world, you do it 1000% in 100 miles an hour.” (03:57)

• Childhood Memories: Tom vividly describes being mentored by his father, visiting crime scenes, squad rooms, and watching the evening news together — always discussing crime stories and investigative approaches.

  • Quote:

    “We would sit there...and if there was a story about a homicide that was on the news, I would talk to him about it. Like, hey, how would you do this? How would you do that? Where would you start? Who would you talk to?...It just led to what I became.” (06:12)

2. Law Enforcement as a Small World

• Reconnecting Across the Years: Tom shares a touching story about reconnecting with Detective Ralph, America’s most decorated NYPD detective, who worked with Tom’s father in the 41st precinct. Their reunion highlights the tight-knit, generational bonds within law enforcement.
  • Quote:

    “Big world, but small world, especially in our world, which shrinks tremendously when we start talking and throwing names around.” (08:55)

3. Living Through the “Toughest Night” (12:00)

• A Night of Turmoil and Triumph: Tom recounts one unforgettable NYPD shift — in a single night he was involved in a foot chase and arrest, responded to a quadruple shooting, prevented a teen suicide, performed CPR on an infant (who survived), and then rushed to aid a fellow officer who was fatally shot.
  • Quote:

    “We’re doing CPR in the front seat of the car on an eight-day-old baby and get to the emergency room...as soon as we did that, the baby started crying. And then about an hour or two later, we get a call that there's a cop shot...That was one night. That was one 4 to 12 tour that I won't forget.” (09:49–13:05)

4. Most Memorable Arrest (13:12)

• Shootout After His Wedding: Tom details a harrowing shootout one month after his honeymoon, where a fellow cop and friend was shot (but survived). He and his partners apprehended all three suspects, who collectively received over 100 years in prison.
  • Quote:

    “It was personal because of, obviously, them trying to kill us and them shooting Ralph. So that was probably the one that certainly stands out.” (13:43–14:48)

5. The Most Dangerous Assignment: Afghanistan (15:03)

• Transition from NYPD to War Zone: Tom was sent to Afghanistan with the Joint Terrorism Task Force on a kidnapping investigation. He explains the stress, unpredictability, and sheer danger of operating “by their rules, which there aren’t any.”

  • Quote:

    “Having to deal with that—and got out of a couple tough situations...was not being tough…it was pure experience in not panicking and not overreacting.” (15:03)

• Family Sacrifice and Secrecy: Tom’s family knew only that he was going to Afghanistan for 3 months—no details allowed. The impact of his absence on his wife and children, and the emotional labor borne by spouses of officers, are discussed in depth.

  • Quote:

    “My family knew I was going to Afghanistan, but had no idea why, because I couldn’t tell them why…they’re sitting X amount of miles away not knowing where we are.” (20:43–21:21)

  • Quote:

    “To be with the same woman for 35 years is not the norm. And that’s sad to say…especially in our world.” (25:07)

6. The Importance of Picking the Right Partner

• At Home: Both Tom and Cheryl emphasize the critical role a supportive spouse plays in a career marked by uncertainty, trauma, and long absences.
  • Quote (Cheryl):

    "Pick your partner. Take some time. I'm just telling you, it will make all the difference in your life." (24:15)

• On the Job: Tom delves into the unspoken codes, deep trust, and tactical importance of choosing the right police partner. He shares anecdotes about life-saving instincts and the legacy of police partnerships stretching back to his father’s era.
  • Quote:

    “One of the most important decisions you can make in NYPD...That’s what I grew up watching—what partners were like and the relationship of families...That trust, you didn't question it.” (26:23–29:29)

7. Detective Work: Humor, Guts, and Solving Cases

• “Legendary” Detective Stories: Tom tells a classic Bronx robbery squad story where, given only “a male black named Jerome with gold teeth in the Bronx,” he and his partner leveraged street smarts and luck to find and arrest the suspect—minutes before a supervisor’s deadline.
  • Quote:

    "All we had was a male black named Jerome with gold teeth in the Bronx...I said, alright, we'll have it by one o'clock...1245, I call the chief's office…We got him." (31:45–35:55)

8. National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame

• News of His Induction: Tom’s humility comes through as he recalls learning of his Hall of Fame honor—and thinking only of others before himself. Deep emotion follows as he remembers his late father’s influence.
  • Quote:

    "We don’t go into this job to get things like this. It’s not on a checklist…It’s a tremendous honor that I just cherish all the time.” (36:03–39:27)

9. The Power of Law Enforcement Community (“Table 15”)

• A Night of Camaraderie: Cheryl and Tom celebrate the light-hearted, familial spirit of their Hall of Fame induction table—full of laughter, stories, and irreverence that balanced the solemn honor of the evening.
  • Quote:

    “When you have the opportunity to just enjoy something with every breath you have...We laughed and joked and cried and had the best time.” (42:28–43:11)

• The Hall as Family: Both emphasize the sense of belonging and recognition for the entire law enforcement family, brought together by those organizing the Hall of Fame.
  • Quote:

    “Law enforcement is not a singular entity. It’s a family that goes through every single thing that that cop goes through.” (47:36)

10. Continuing Traditions & Lasting Friendship

• Cheryl and Tom describe the traditions and bonds they've forged, including promises to continue subversive Hall of Fame rituals and support each other.
  • Quote (Tom, to Cheryl):

    “You're in my family and I love you dearly in everything you do and to have you be part of my life is a blessing.” (49:40)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On his calling:
  “That was the drive—wanting to be like your dad and wanting to serve in the best police department in the world.” (03:57)
• On the night that forged him:
  “That was one 4 to 12 tour that I won’t forget. And it’s 32 years ago.” (13:05)
• On job dangers:
  “Now being in the middle of a war zone and playing by their rules, which there aren’t any…” (15:03)
• On family sacrifice:
  “My family knew I was going to Afghanistan, but had no idea why. So think about that.” (21:11)
• Advice for rookies:
  “Pick your partner...it will make all the difference in your life.” (24:15)
• On finding “Jerome”:
  “We got Jerome with gold teeth in the Bronx. 1245. I call the office. We got him.” (35:55)
• On the Hall of Fame:
  “It’s a tremendous honor...We don’t go into this job to get things like this.” (39:27)
• Cherishing camaraderie:
  “It could be its own show. Everything we talked about was true...” (44:00)
• On legacy:
  “You're in my family and I love you dearly...it makes life so much better.” (49:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tom’s NYPD inspiration and growing up with a detective father: 03:57–07:37
• Reconnecting with Detective Ralph, the “walking legend”: 07:48–09:43
• Toughest night on the force: 09:48–13:05
• Most memorable arrest & the post-wedding shootout: 13:12–14:48
• Most dangerous situation: Afghanistan and the terrorism task force: 15:03–17:22, 20:25–22:30
• Spousal sacrifice and advice to rookies: 24:15–25:07
• Importance of the right partner (home/work): 26:23–29:29
• Legendary detective story ("Jerome with gold teeth"): 31:39–35:55
• Hall of Fame induction and reactions: 36:03–39:27
• Table 15 and the importance of law enforcement community: 42:00–47:36
• Tradition, friendship, and closing thoughts: 48:22–49:40

Tone and Style

The tone throughout is candid, warm, reverent, and laced with law enforcement gallows humor. Both Tom and Cheryl speak with deep respect for the dangers of the job, the seriousness of loss and trauma, but also celebrate the lighter moments and enduring bonds that keep police officers going through it all.

Summary Takeaway

Detective Tom Smith’s life is a testament to the dangers and rewards of a vocation in policing — from losing friends and risking his life, to saving a baby, to finding laughter and love in the darkest times. His humility and love for his NYPD family, both blood and blue, shine throughout. The episode offers an inside look at the price, privilege, and pride of carrying the badge, and why — decades on — the stories and connections remain as vital as ever.