Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Odessa Police Department to honor fallen officer Scott Smith

Posted on February 5, 2021
KOSA NEWS

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The Odessa Police Department will be holding a ceremony on Saturday to honor a fallen officer.

Officer Scott Smith was killed on February 6, 1988, in a motorcycle crash while responding to a call of a burglary in progress.

The department’s Honor Guard will be placing a wreath at the memorial statue on the station’s front lawn at 7:30 a.m.

The wreath will be on display until sunset.

Police say that anyone who wishes to show their respects is encouraged to visit the memorial.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

February 5, 2021

Hi Scott!

I can't believe it's been 30 years since God took u although sometimes it just seems like yesterday! I miss u an think of u every day. I love u and think of all of our memories we had together!

Mom
Powell, Wyo.
March 6, 2018

Nancy Hall, mom
Mom

March 6, 2018

Scott,
Yesterday while I was on patrol, I met your mother when I noticed her National Police Memorial sweatshirt. She told me about you and I invited her to come to the P.D. and see our Fallen Officer Memorial Wall. She came in this afternoon and we had a nice talk and I learned a lot about you and your family. Your Mom is very proud of you and misses you. I enjoyed my visit with her and will talk to her in the future !!

Officer Matthew Brilakis
Powell (WY) Police Department

December 6, 2017

Dad,

A name I never got to call you in person, but am so proud of. I grew up not knowing you, hearing your voice, or seeing your face, but you were never forgotten. Mom continues to tell me stories of you, even now, 28 years later. I have learned of your strength (physical and in character), personality, sense of humor, care for others, and how much you loved those around you. I am told often that I closely resemble you in looks and personality. While we were never given the chance to know each other, I do my very best to carry on your legacy and make you proud. You see, besides being so physically strong, I am constantly told of your sense of humor and how well you cared for those around you. This concern for others was passed to me. I have worked hard to dedicate my time, education, and career to serving others. I am 3 months away from finishing with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I work as a child therapist in a nonprofit that offers counseling services at low to no cost to kids and families. I do my best to empathize and compassionately interact with those I come in contact with.

Though death has encountered you, I have done my best to honor you with my life, which has been so blesed. My heart breaks to know what I missed in knowing you, being loved by you, and being raised by you, but I was not left alone. From the moment of your death to even now, we have had a family of officers look out for us, officers that you knew like Chuck, to those who never knew you but know we are family of a fallen officer. We have been loved by this blue family. It will also bring you peace to know God brought a great man in to my mom's life who raised us as his own. He taught us to work hard, to have integrity, to laugh, and showed us what a Godly husband and father looks like. Though you were not there, we were not left alone. Krystal and I turned out well (at least I'd like to think so) and we have great husbands. Krystal has some awesome sons, your grandsons, who know they had a grandpa who was a police officer.

Dad, you are deeply missed, but not forgotten. I love you.

Kelsie Smith McLeod
Daugher

August 30, 2016

Scott, my career with the Odessa Police Departmet began in August of 1992. Even though I didn't know you personally, I have come to know and love your family! Your beautiful mother, your awesome and precious daughters and now your beautiful grandbabies. We honor you annually and I look forward to visiting with them. You would be so proud of them. Your father has passed on and I enjoyed the time I got to know him as well. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten!

Sergeant Sherrie Carruth
odessa police department

May 7, 2013

Hey Scott, it's been 23 years now and I just want you to know I miss you each and every day. I made you a promise and I want you to know I have kept it, I think about you every day of my life. Loosing you was hard but I'm a better person for having you as my brother and in my life for as long as I got to have you. There's no bond more important than that bond of a brother and even though your in a much better place I still carry that bond with me and I always will. The movie Gone in 60 Seconds has a saying towards the end that holds true, which is, "A brother's love is a brother's love." You paid the ultimate price for what you believed in and there's not a whole lot of people that are willing to do that. You made a difference in a lot of people lives and those people will never forget you. For that, you have my my highest respect. I just wanted to say "hi" and let you know I was thinking about you. Keep an eye on me and make sure I stay on the right path...
Steve

Steve Smith
Brother

October 25, 2011

I remember when you had started with the Police Dept. in Odessa. You and Randall became buds pretty quickly. I remember the two of you always "working out" in the gym and keeping yourselves fit. The two of you were always joking and smiling. We were never "close" but I called you a friend. After the accident, I had moved to the DFW area where you were eventually transferred. I came to see you once. Your wife was there and I was so very sad for her and your daughter. It was obvious that your wife was pregnant. To have to go through all that she had gone through at the time with even more to come without you...........I think of her often and the strength she endured. I admired her for holding her family close at heart in order to get through her time of sorrow. I just wanted you to know that I do think and pray for you and your family often. I do believe you are a much needed angel. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Elizabeth Huski
Former PBX operator Odessa PD

June 9, 2011

I knew Scott when he lived in Hobbs, New Mexico and he was a great friend to me. I will always remember his smile and his love of life. May his daughters always know what a special man their father was. Rest in peace my friend, you are never forgotten.

Anonymous

April 15, 2009

Officer Smith, thank you for your service and dedication. Continue to watch over you family - and your brothers & sisters in uniform. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

March 18, 2009

Officer Smith,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Odessa. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

February 6, 2009

Gone too soon. Thanks for your service and sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

February 6, 2009

To the family and friends of Officer Scott Stanton Smith and his fellow officers with the Odessa Police Department:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Scott's memory on the twenty-first anniversary of the day he so tragically lost his life. His valor and service will be forever remembered.

Your department has faced much adversity and heartache in recent years. I know they mourn the loss of all of their heroes.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Scott gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 6, 1988.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 6, 2009

Scott,

I can remember when you came into motors. On the day that you had the wreck, I remember that you had just gone 10-8 from eating lunch with Angie. Cpl. Moad had called in for assistance with a burglary suspect and you were responding. I was also on motors but was riding in a vehicle that day training a future traffic officer, Brian Moersch. We were about four blocks away when the dispatcher asked if you were okay and when there was no response, she called in motor officer down at 17th and Tom Green. We arrived about 45 seconds later and found you lying in the middle of the street. WE admistered first aid to you until the paramedics arrived but we could only do so much. The chief came to the scene and asked me if I would work the accident but I really didn't want to. But as a friend and motor officer I ended up working the accident. I came to see you in the hospital several times until you were moved to Dallas. I saw your father, Stan, several times and asked about you. I know that you fought it with everything that you had but finally you had to let go. You will be missed and I still think about you and Angie. Kelley and I did like going to lunch with Angie and you. My you rest in peace and I will see you later at a much better place.

Sgt. Terry Henkell
OPD Retired Motor Officer
ECISD Police Department

Sgt. Terry Henkell
ECISD PD/Odessa PD (Retired)

April 28, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 20, 2008

Today on the 20th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for those you left behind to mourn.
Rest in peace Motorman, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired and former motorman RBPD Fla)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

February 5, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER,NH

February 4, 2008

You are not forgotten. It is an honor to say you were my friend. I can't believe it's been 19 years. Rest in peace.

Dee Dee
Former OPD

February 14, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

February 6, 2007

18 years ago today, you moved on.

Keep on watching over us, and may you rest in peace.

Sgt. Gary Hudgens
Cedar Park PD

February 6, 2006

I honor you Scott. Ride high motorman. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer).

Jim Crotty Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

January 3, 2006

Well Scott I was just checking out the website and found your name here. I talk about you alot on different subjects but most of all about working out in the old gym. I left OPD after 15 years and went to work for the District Police Department. I did something that we always talked about doing together and that was work narcotics, my partner in narcs was a great partner and friend David Tavarez. I have not seen Angie or the kids in a few years but maybe someday. I feel like I'am sitting here just writing you a letter and in a way I guess I am, anyway God Bless You and we all miss you. See you down the road, Randall.

Sgt. Randall Jones
Ector County Indepent School District Police Department

November 15, 2005

Scott,

There are times that I cannot help but remember you. The practical jokes you played. I think of your family often. I know you are watching over them and everyone else you came in contact with. God bless you, your family and friends.

Investigator
Blanco County Sheriff's Office Texas

March 17, 2004

Scott, I just found this websight and hoped you were listed on here. We miss you and will always remember you.

Scott's death was much more than just an accident. He started at the department a little after I did and we were both young officers when this occurred. Scott was coming to assist me as I called for help on the radio while wrestling with a burglar suspect who was armed with a knife. There was another suspect in the vehicle I had stopped and I was worried enough about things to call for help. Scott was answering that call and was just two blocks away when he became involved in an accident with another vehicle at an intersection. Scott left behind a wife and kids and gave his life coming to the aid of a fellow officer.

I just want to tell Scott thanks. I can never repay you Scott for what you were trying to do, but I want you to know that I will not forget you. I have visited the memorial in D.C. several times and even took my kids to see your name there. I also continue to pay tribute to you every year at our department during Officer Memorial week in the hopes that I can do at least something to keep your memory alive and honor you for what you were doing for me. God bless you and your family. --------Chuck---------

Lt. Chuck Moad
Odessa Police Department

February 8, 2004

Rest in peace motorman.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

February 5, 2004

Scott, I have thought so many times of you. You were as good of a friend as you were an officer.

After your months in the hospital, Angie gave birth to your girl.

Thanks for watching over us.

Sgt. Gary Hudgens
Cedar Park Police Department