Deputy Jordan Smith - From Stage 4 Cancer to becoming Deputy of the Year

On the debut episode of the Alpha Responder Podcast, founder Kent Shelley sits down with Navajo County Sheriff’s Deputy Jordan Smith, recently named Arizona's Deputy of the Year, for a powerful and personal conversation you don’t want to miss.

From Stage 4 Cancer to Serving His Community

 “I live where I patrol. I’ve got skin in the game.”

- Navajo County Deputy Jordan Smith

Deputy Smith shares his incredible journey from a stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis at just 20 years old to earning one of the highest honors in Arizona law enforcement. After a year of intense treatment and a miraculous recovery, he chose to dedicate his second chance at life to protecting the community he grew up in—Navajo County.

In this candid interview, Jordan opens up about:

• What it means to patrol the same streets where his family lives.

• The life-changing cancer battle that led him to law enforcement.

• His love for hunting, fatherhood, and the tight-knit bond of his department.

• The importance of staying calm and compassionate—even when faced with confrontation.

• The quick decision-making required in high-stakes moments, like stopping an impaired driver near a children’s playground.