'When members of a vulnerable community needed protection, he put himself in harm’s way,' it says in the description of the fundraiser

A GoFundMe for the police officer who was injured while stationed outside of a Belleville, Ont. synagogue on Sunday has raised more than $75,000.

Const. Jeff Smith was critically injured after a 29-year-old gunman opened fire on the place of worship on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in the Jewish faith. Smith was stationed outside. He remains in stable condition at Kingston General Hospital.

The fundraiser was started on behalf of the Jewish community in Toronto. Organizer Derek Kreindler said the initial goal of $18,000 was reached within 12 hours.

“When members of a vulnerable community needed protection, he put himself in harm’s way,” it says in the GoFundMe’s description.

The fundraiser was set up for the Jewish community to express its “profound gratitude to Const. Smith and to support him and his family during what may be a long and difficult recovery.”

The fundraiser is also intended to convey a message to those who protect the Jewish community, the description said. “We will not forget what he did outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue.”

In a post on X, former Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams shared a photo of Smith and called him a hero. Belleville police confirmed to National Post that the picture in Williams’ post was Smith.

Jeff Smith is a real hero.

A Belleville Police officer who put himself in harm’s way protecting our community.

Please pray for Jeff, his family and his fellow officers.

Our community is behind you, Jeff. Stay strong. Keep fighting. Come home to your family. pic.twitter.com/7tBeWH0C4T

— Ryan Williams 🇨🇦 | The Competition Guy (@Ryan_r_Williams) September 21, 2026

“While he continues to face a significant road to recovery, his condition has stabilized, and we remain hopeful and encouraged by his progress,” said Belleville Police Service’s Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks, who spoke to media on Monday.

“Our thoughts are with Const. Smith, his family, his friends, and his colleagues. Supporting them has been our top priority.”

Smith was stationed outside the synagogue because of safety concerns, especially on a night where there would be many congregants in attendance, the synagogue’s president Norman Weddum told National Post.

Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks says the shooting suspect has been identified as Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West.

Belleville Police Constable Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside the synagogue, sustained serious injuries. His condition has since stabilized. pic.twitter.com/qZxiGSe76R

— Toronto Crime Watch (@CrimewatchTO) September 21, 2026

Weddum said that before entering the building, he thanked Smith for being there. Soon after the evening prayer service started, around 7 p.m., dozens of shots rang out.

A 29-year-old suspect armed with a shotgun opened fire at Smith, who then is believed to have shot back, said Kristy Denette on Monday. She is a spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the province’s police watchdog that is leading the investigation.

Denette said it is currently believed that the man drove to the area in a truck. A second officer got to the scene shortly after and fired back at the suspected shooter before more officers arrived.

During the incident, Smith sustained serious injuries, said Meeks.

Smith joined the Belleville Police Service on Dec. 27, 2013. Meeks said he served the community with distinction for nearly 13 years.

“He is a longstanding and highly respected member of our emergency response unit, known by his colleagues as a dedicated officer, trusted teammate, and committed public servant,” she said.

The suspect was hospitalized in life-threatening condition. There were an estimated 25 people gathered inside the synagogue, Weddum told National Post, but no one in the congregation was injured.

While the SIU is involved because police officers discharged weapons at a person, the Belleville police are leading the criminal side of the investigation.

Meeks said the Belleville police are “committed to being as transparent as possible and keeping our community informed” but would not be commenting on the investigation further at this time.

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