Blinded by Gunshot in 1986, State Trooper Continues to Inspire His Fellow Officers

Trooper Bobby Smith to Speak April 5 at State Police Auditorium
BATON ROUGE — In 1986, Louisiana State Trooper Bobby Smith was shot in the face and blinded in the line of duty on a Louisiana highway.
As a result of his shooting and the aftermath of trauma, Bobby realized the need for law enforcement officers to have assistance in dealing with post trauma.
Based on his education and experience, Bobby has authored three books — Visions of Courage: The Bobby Smith Story, The Will to Survive, and his newest book, What’s in your Heart Comes Out Your Mouth, published March 2013.
Bobby Smith is also well known as a motivational speaker. He speaks more than 150 times a year before emergency responders, spouses, supervisors, agency heads, the clergy, and civic leaders.  His message of perseverance and the human spirit has gotten him speaking invitations in every major city across the United States and in several countries abroad.  He has headlined major events at the FBI Academy and NSA.  He has addressed more than one million people.
In 2001, Smith founded and currently serves as the Director of FORTE (Foundation for Officers Recovering from Traumatic Events). His on-going goal is to provide training and counseling for law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency services personnel, and their families going through various traumatic events.
The former trooper will tell his story from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, April 5 at the State Police Auditorium, 7919 Independence Boulevard.  The event is free and open to the public.  To register, go to https://register.gsrcpi.org/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?%7E%7E130405LAA.