Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In April of 1996, I was a very excited, young man with dreams of being in law enforcement. I was scheduled to start Basic Law Enforcement Training at Stanly Community College that August. On that day, April 15, 1996, I was riding with Sgt. Greg Carpenter with the Union County Sheriff’s Office. I was getting in every possible hour of ride time as a civilian before rookie school. After riding for several hours that day, Sgt. Carpenter dropped me off and I went home to get a few things done. I walked in my house, turned on my scanner and within a few minutes of being home I heard the cry for help go over the scanner. Chief Boger had a distressed voice as he said “shots fired, officer down, shots fired, officer down!" The feelings and emotions that flooded my mind when I heard that is simply indescribable. I didn’t know Chief Boger or Damon Smith at that time. Several months later during my rookie school I got to meet Chief Boger, as he was my firearms instructor, with a bandaged shoulder from the gunshot wound. I also had the honor to meet Damon Smith’s wife and child when they came to our BLET graduation to present the first ever Damon Smith Award which was awarded to the most exemplary student, now retired Capt. Brian Helms.

It is now September 1, 2023 and I am three months from retirement. I have had a whole career since this incident and the call for help that I heard that day has been something that I have thought about many times throughout my career, especially when approaching a house during a domestic.

Rest easy, Officer Damon Smith. You have helped many of us remain vigilant through the years and you will never been forgotten.

Sgt. Jeff Furr
Monroe Police Department

September 1, 2023

Patrolman Smith,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Europe during the Cold War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 15, 2021

Patrolman Smith, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2019

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

April 15, 2013

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 15, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

In looking at the reflections, I can see that Damon was an amazing man who is respected, loved and missed by many.
In a small department, I know that the officers who are with you and/or respond to the incident are more likely than not the best friends of the downed officers, and I know that the events will be forever etched into their minds and souls. I know this from the band of brothers who were with my son when he was shot, and my knowledge of their suffering. To those who were with him, please know that the families of downed officers are comforted in knowing that their beloved family members were with dearest friends in their last moments.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 15, 2009

Thinking of your loved ones today and everyday. I know the daily struggles they face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence.
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

April 15, 2009

"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

December 27, 2007

"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

December 27, 2007

My uncle Damon was a good man. He was always there for my family. He never let anyone down. My cousin Gavin and I miss him very much. At home I reminded of him from all the storys and pictures my mom tells me about my uncle. I miss you uncle Damon

Sam Kimmer
nephew

November 9, 2007

YOU GUYS ARE THE TRUE HEROES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. YOU PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE TO PROTECT AND SERVE OUR CITIZENS.

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!

CPL. JON LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT

April 25, 2007

Over a decade has passed and you have not been forgotten, nor will that ever be the case as your loved ones and the Blue Family will keep your memory alive. Continue to watch over your loved ones and protected them, also keep watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 2, 2007

Damon has been gone 10 years and everyday I miss him more and more. He was not only my brother, he was my best friend and confidant. His son, Gavin, is now 13 years old and spends a lot of time with my son, Sam, who is also 13 years old. They love to hear about Damon. Gavin was only 3 when his dad was killed and he doesn't remember him very well. My mother and I keep Damon's memory alive for Gavin by telling him all the wonderful stories of him childhood. My youngest son, Sawyer, who's middle name is Damon will never know his uncle because he was born after Damon was killed. I regret that he will never know what a wonderful man Damon was. We love you, Damon!

Blair Smith-Kimmer
Sister

September 16, 2006

It has been 10 years ago today since you were killed. You were like a son to me, and I loved you very much. I am now serving in Iraq as a Police Trainer and I use you often as an example for morals, training and honor. I tell them all, no matter how much we train, how good we are, there are circumstances presented by God that lead us to an early death. Your death was for a purpose and I am honored to have known you......God Bless you.. Mike Boger former Chief and Friend

Mike Boger former Chief of Oakboro
I was with Damon when he was killed and shot also.

April 15, 2006

Your selfless sacrifice is not forgotten and will always be remembered. God bless you, Brother.

Officer
Charlotte

January 14, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten .....

Officer
Tennessee

January 9, 2006

I was attending Basic Law Enforcement Training when Officer Smith was murdered. I attended his funeral. Seeing all those officers at the funeral made me proud to know that one day I would be a part of this brotherhood in law enforcement. Even though I did not know Damon personally, I know many officer who did. Your death touched my heart. I just wanted to say thank you for laying down your life to protect the lives of others.

Deputy D. Rogers
Union County S.O.

November 25, 2005

Rest in peace, brother. My prayers go out to your family and all others that knew you.

Sdt Gerold Hoffmann
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

November 18, 2005

I just read about your story on A Press Newsline newsletter and can't describe the feelings I felt as I read about another officer needlessly lose his life. Your story reminds all of us just how dangerous domestics can be, and shortly after reading your story I responded to a domestic in progress and had a refreshed outlook on officer safety and making the approach. Thank you for your service Ofc. Smith, you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother.

Spc. Felton
Ft. Story Military Police

August 15, 2005

Myself and Damon both started in the Stanly County Jail and soon became close friends. Damon was intelligent and always in a good mood.When I went to patrol and Damon went to Oakboro he was so happy to be on the road. The last time i spoke with Damon he said he had found his place in life. You are missed my friend.

Det. Steve Smith
Sunset Beach Police Dept.

January 20, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

I am the former Chief of Police, M.R. Boger who was with Officer Damon F. Smith at the time of his death. His badge number was 403 and that number has been retired since the close of his funeral service. I will in the future update this reflection. He was a warrior and an honorable man. The person who took Officer Smith's life has as of yet, from 1996-2003 not served any prison time for his murder, he has been incarcerated at a State Mental Hospital.

DEPUTY
MECKLENBURG COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

November 28, 2003

Damon worked for a short time with the Sheriff's Office in the same county. I came to meet and know Damon and in a short time we were good friends. Many nights as I would patrol the County I'd find myself in Oakboro building upon our friendship. We were both in in-service training the week of his murder. He checked on for Wed evening watch and was soon dispatched to a domestic call from a child saying, "Daddy was hurting Mommy and had a knife." Damon checked on the scene and as he approched the house, he was shot in the upper chest with a 30-30 round. He could only get a few gargled words as he fell to the ground. It's a day I'll never forget. After a standoff with the Oakboro Chief and other arriving oficers, we entered the house. The only thing good to come from that evening was when I put the cuffs on the bastard that murdered Dmon Franklin Smith, my friend. We all love and miss Damon as I do. In my poinion Damon set the example for others to follow in the way h!
e lived and took pride in his work.  We love you Damon.    

Det.Sgt. Kent Myers
Stanly County Sheriff's Office

I had the great honor of knowing Damon. We attended college together, as well as Basic Law Enforcement Training. He was an outstanding officer, totally devoted to the small town and trusting people he helped protect. Not only was he an excellent officer, but he was one of the best friends I've ever known. Not a day passes, especially at work, that I don't think about the great sacrifice he made on that April day. He is missed dearly, and a void is left in the hearts of all who knew him. Sadly, two years later, his killer has never seen the inside of a courtroom. We miss you Damon.

Deputy G. L. Thomas
Union County Sheriff's Office, NC