Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Wednesday, February 26, 1997
Reflections for Officer Oliver Wendell Smith, Jr.
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I'm sorry that three cowards that didn't have the guts to face you on duty would commit such an act. I wished I would have been there to help you. By reading your memorial page I am reminded once again that we are not only in danger on duty but off duty as well. Your passing was not in vain. It refreshed my mind about tactical awareness ALL THE TIME. I'll get the honor of meeting you one day. Until then watch over me and the other troops in my beat. God Bless.
A. Young #112
Sansom Park P.D. Texas
December 4, 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
September 27, 2007
Officer Smith,
10 years have passed and your memory continues in our hearts. Hereos are never forgotten.
I recently met a wonderful husband and wife team at the hospital, comforting another family that recently lost a love one in the line of duty (Officer Wayne Pitt). I later found out that the husband and wife team were your parents. You were bless on earth and now in heaven to have/had wonderful parents. We love them both.
Continue your tour in the Army of the Lord ( I here you are going to be getting promoted to Inspector Angel Smith, congrats.)
God Bless
"B.T."
Officer Billie Davis
Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department-Third District
April 15, 2007
"My Brother"
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.
He was a cop.
Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.
He was a cop.
Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.
Rest easy Brother Smith, we have the watch...
”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8
You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!
Officer
MPDC
April 8, 2007
I still remember the last time we talked. We were in court and you were telling me about how you had to arrest the drunken santa claus in Georgetown. That is a story that cannot be topped. You are not forgotten and your family continues to me in my prayers. Class 94-11 "True To The Blue"
Sergeant Brian Herringa
Sergeant Brian L. Herringa
MPDC/Academy Classmate
March 26, 2007
You are not Forgotten.
Former Police Officer (Dist.Hghts. MD)
Warrenton,VA
February 26, 2007
My sympathies to Officer Smith's family and colleagues. He was far too young to be assasinated by cold blooded killers. Hopefully they will rot in jail whiel Officer Smith has eternal peace.
SFC William L. Farrell
US Army Military Police, Ret
March 24, 2006
Rest in peace Officer Smith. May God bless and watch over your family. You were murdered simply because you were a cop. How sad.
SFC William L. Farrell
US Army Military Police, Ret
November 19, 2005
you will not be forgotten and your life will be rembered that the people who did it will be punished to the fullest
mary cocke civilian
Uspp
November 17, 2005
Don't grieve for me for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found a peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you all the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored so much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
for God wanted me now, He set me free.
Semper Fidelis....(Always Faithful)
December 1, 2004
Warrior . . . we will not forget!
With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)
Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.) ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
November 4, 2004
Ofc. Smith:
God bless you Brother. Your memory lives on, I can assure you that. Today, 4/1/04, our Unit sent our Supervisor, J. LeClaire, away at Arlington. He, as yourself, will never be forgotten. Today our Unit was lucky enough to meet not only your fellow Officers from DC, but your mother as well. She is a wonderful woman who not only loves you, but all of your extended family in blue as well. Just when you start to loose faith that people really don't care, someone like your mother pops in. It meant so much to me personally. What a great family.
Bro, we got your back.
- Ma'am, I'm glad your car cooperated. We would like to send you a personal note of appreciation. last-out tour (11p-7a). Ask for Dopson. You're the best!
Inv. Dopson
Phila. Warrant Unit
April 1, 2004
It's been 7 years since Officer Wendell Oliver Smith, Jr. was taken from this world by the cruel acts of others. The blessing he leaves behind is his family. I met his father at COPS Parent Retreat 2003 and I know this officer would be proud of his father, so kind and ready to help someone else get the healing they needed. I thank you Officer Smith for having the courage to do your job and the bravery to stand up to the evil in this world. You've earned your wings Blue Angel.
Iwalu, Pat Carruth, Mother of Officer Jeremy Carruth EOW2/20/03
Pat Carruth
Mother of a Fallen Officer
February 26, 2004
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYER. I PRAY THAT IN LIFE-YOU KNEW JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR. WHEN YOU GET TO HEAVEN, TELL MY GRANDPARENTS THAT I LOVE AND MISS THEM. ALSO SAY HELLO TO OFC. JAMES MCGEE,JR.(MPD-DC 1995) OFC. BRIAN GIBSON,(MPD-DC 1997) OFC. ROBERT JOHNSON,JR.(MPD-DC 1997), OFC. THOMAS HAMLETTE,JR.(MPD-DC 1998), OFC.ANTHONY SIMMS(MPD-DC 1996), OFC.SCOTT LEWIS(MPD-DC 1995), OFC.JASON WHITE (MPD-DC 1993), DET. HENRY DALY (MPD-DC 1994)AND OFC.DEANNA CAMPBELL(MPD-DC 1995)
Ofc. Lisa A. Nesbit
Metropolitan Police Department, D.C.
I knew you before you became an officer and even after. My prayers were with you then and even though your no longer here my thoughts and prayers are still with you. I know your in a better place now "REST IN PEACE" and we shall meet again. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Marian Nichols
MPD
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