Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith has spent his life serving others as a law enforcement officer. He moved to Franklin County at age 10 and began his career in public service at 19, becoming a deputy before later serving in state and federal law enforcement roles. He is now in his third term as sheriff.
When routine medical tests revealed his kidneys were failing, his future suddenly became uncertain.
In 2024, Sheriff Smith learned that despite feeling healthy and staying active, his kidney function had declined to about 25 percent.
“As my condition worsened, I felt terrible and had no energy,” Sheriff Smith said. “I wanted to get better, do my job effectively, and continue serving my community. The only way forward was a kidney transplant from a living donor.”
After several volunteers were unable to qualify, Sheriff Smith’s wife, Helen Willis, was ultimately approved as his kidney donor. The transplant was successful, and they are both recovering well.
“It’s an amazing gift to be able to give somebody,” Willis said. “It’s a little scary, but it was a no-brainer.”
