At 23, Tyler Smith was looking at a bright future.
Just accepted into the San Jose Police Department, he was set to finish his last drill weekend with the Army National Guard before heading to California where he had planned to continue his military career.
All that was cut short when Smith lost his life on Sept. 15.
“Tyler was my only child — he was my heart and his accomplishments were my accomplishments,” said Sandy Halsne. “He was also a good kid, kind and had a big heart. He was a hard worker and always put in 110 percent in everything he was involved with whether it was playing sports, school, work, etc.”
Halsne said she always knew her son was loved by many but didn’t realize the extent until he passed away.
Near and far, people that Smith touched throughout his lifetime came to show their support to the family. Everyone from military friends he met four years ago during Army basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and his National Guard unit from Macomb to the lifelong friends he made in Rochelle.

“The outpouring of support and love was shown by so many friends and family of Tyler’s,” Halsne said. “I have heard some amazing stories of how Tyler affected their lives … Tyler was a loving son and basically a brother to all.”
A 2014 Rochelle Township High School graduate as well as a 2018 graduate of Western Illinois University, Smith’s dream of a career in law enforcement was closing in.

With a college degree in criminal justice and a minor in homeland security, he had his sights set on becoming a K-9 officer and entering into the Drug Enforcement Agency.
He was to start training in the San Jose Police Academy last month after being one of 50 accepted out of the 5,000 applicants and had spent the entire summer in California working 12 to 15 hours each day saving money for an apartment.
“Tyler always knew what he wanted and went after it. I’m pretty sure if he would have had the chance, he would have been at the top of his class in the academy and I know he would have been a great police officer,” Halsne reflected. “Tyler had so many dreams and at the young age of 23 he made most of them come true.”

As Halsne reflects on her son’s accomplishments, she acknowledges grieving the future. With memories of his zest for life, Halsne will be making new memories in his honor beginning with a scholarship for an RTHS student in his name.
She also has plans for an annual 5K run on the anniversary of his death to further fund the scholarship for years to come.
Halsne said there might be an opportunity to give to a police or military-related charity as well — those fields were both close to her son’s heart.
In April, Smith will be honored at a 50-mile run, which his aunt, Pam Lambert, is participating in. Halsne explained the run will start in Macomb and end in Warsaw, Illinois, and will honor 250 fallen soldiers from the state. At every mile, runners will stop and name five fallen soldiers.
“As I grieve the future, as hard as it is I have to tell myself that Tyler wouldn’t want me to stop living,” Halsne explained. “He was a great example of how to live life to the fullest. He had many friends from all walks of life. He skydived, he went scuba diving, he learned to mix and DJ music and went to many concerts. He loved to watch and play sports … he loved to travel and hike. He ran many 5K and 10K races, and even placed in a few. He loved life.”
Halsne reflected on the week before her son’s death and how their birthdays are only a day apart — Smith just turned 23 three days before he died — and of his promise to take care of her.

“When he died I was upset because he said he would take care of me. I know now he is. He is taking care of me through other people … the support has been amazing and I’m humbled and feel very blessed,” she said. “I thank all of my family and friends for all of the support and the continuing texts and visits.”
Halsne also expressed gratitude to the staff at RTHS and all of those responsible for the moment of silence for Smith during the homecoming game. She also named all of the individuals, businesses and friends who have shown support to her and the family including Debra Whitaker from “Supporting our Soldiers” for providing over 300 desserts for the funeral luncheon.
Halsne explained that Whitaker is on the committee for the 50-mile run and has also lost a son, a fallen soldier.

“I want to thank Hav Draughan for the hundreds of flags for Tyler’s funeral, it was amazing to see,” she added. “I want to thank Tyler’s unit in Macomb for all the support and Sergeant Patrick Draughan who has been there for our family day or night. I also want to thank Aubrey and Cass Headon as they are the backbone of this T-shirt fundraiser for Tyler’s scholarship fund. Last but not least I want to give a large thanks to Pete and Josie Alfano and family as well as Tyler’s family at the Alfano’s restaurant. They were like a second family to Tyler and have been there from the night Tyler passed till the present. From providing all the food for the luncheon, to providing support and the donation to Tyler’s scholarship fund.”
Halsne also thanked the community as well as the Rochelle Police Department and Ogle County Sheriff’s Office for the police escort during the funeral.
“I miss Tyler and always will … that will never go away, but I know Tyler is looking down from heaven so proud of everyone and he would want to thank everyone involved,” she added. “Tyler’s life was cut way too short … one thing is for sure — he was an amazing person here in the short time he had on earth and was loved by so many.”