Beckley Police Department, West Virginia
End of Watch Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Reflections for Detective Corporal Charles Eugene Smith, II
Your heroism and service is honored today, the third anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I hold your family in thought and prayer today, and pray for their solace.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
August 29, 2009
To Det. Cpl. Charles Eugene Smith II, his family and his fellow officers with the Beckley Police Department:
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Det. Cpl. Smith’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Det. Cpl. Smith and thank you for your service.
Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
August 29, 2009
As that dreaded day of Aug 29 approaches every year...I just can't get you out of my mind.
I still miss you, and it still hurts. I know that it's something that will never ease up.
Trena Canady
First Cousin
August 20, 2009
Happy Birthday you would have been 32 today miss you and love you brother i miss you and thank about you all the time
Tim Sweeney
friend
July 5, 2009
Happy Birthday Chuck, love and miss you always.
Candi
First Cousin
July 5, 2009
Love and miss you always.
Candi
first cousin
May 27, 2009
It really never gets any easier.
I will miss you forever.
Trena Canady
First cousin
October 15, 2008
Chuck, There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about you.I miss you like crazy. I miss eveything about you , your pranks, your laugh and your smile.I miss you telling me to put my dog up all the time because you were so afraid of him (good times). Oh and by the way when you pass Merlin in the clouds dont run, he may still bite you but if he does it's all in love ...LOL... Love ya man.
Cpl Fatboy
Beckley Police
June 9, 2008
i was familiar with mr. smith ,chuckie was a dedicated officer and i think , he was a caring and concerned police officer . in my heart it makes me want to cry and it makes me think that such a young soul was lost because only god knows our hearts and chuckie smith had a good heart and he died trying to keep the streets safe for you and i to walk down . i will always keep his effort of what he was trying to do close to heart. so thank you and may god keep you and bless you and yours ida wilson
so heres a spcial thanks to allthe officers and especially to chuck smith thank you
miss ida fae wilson
aquantence from home area
March 3, 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
March 2, 2008
It has been a year today, I cant believe it. You are so missed cuz. You know I always adored you Chuck, I always seeked your aproval and you always gave me the blunt truth because you cared about my happiness as I did yours. Life isnt at all the same without you. Taylor is getting so big and she looks just like you Chuck. Your candlelight vigil was this morning alot of people showed up,although it wasnt easy, but I am sure you know how much your missed. But you probably dont care. Where you are all you know is happiness. Really we shouldnt be sad it is our own selfishness that makes us grieve but we should be joyful, you are where we all want to be. I love you hero and I will see you at the gates of heaven.
wendy
cousin
August 29, 2007
Chuck, It's been a year since that terrible day, I only met you a few times, but I know some of the guys you worked with. They speak of you offten, A great cop, father, and golfer you were. Rest in peace knowing your brothers in Beckley and all of us in the law enforcement family will continue to carry on your mission.
P.O. M. Moore
Winston-Salem Police Dept.
August 29, 2007
Remember me in quiet days
While raindrops whisper on your pane.
But in your memories have no grief,
Let just the joy we knew remain.
Remember me when evening stars
Look down on you with steadfast eyes.
Remember if once you wake
To catch a glimpse of red sunrise.
And when your thoughts do turn to me,
Know that I would not have you cry.
But live for me and laugh for me,
When you are happy, so am I.
Remember an old joke we shared;
Remember me when spring walks by.
Think once of me when you are glad
And while you live, I shall not die.
Love always,
Stevie and Chris
Stevie
Cousin
August 29, 2007
Corporal Smith,
Today is the one year anniversary of your EOW. Your bravery and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will your legacy of committment in making the world better. You did!
Pennsylvania citizen
August 29, 2007
It's been a year since you left the ones you love.
It's been a year that you've been looking down on us from up above.
It's been a year of constant reminder that you're not here.
It's been a year of memories, sorrow and fear.
It's been a year since that horrible night.
It's been a year from when you walked into the light.
It's been a year where I had to be strong everyday.
It's been a year of unspoken words I need to say.
It's been a year since I had to say goodbye.
Where is the good in goodbye when all I do is cry?
It's been a year that has changed all my days.
It's been a year, and I've grown strong in so many ways.
It's been a year where I know you're in a better place.
It's been a year, and I still haven't forgotten your face.
It's been a year of just imagining what it's like up there.
It's been a year since he took you, it just seems so unfair.
It's been a year, but I know you're doing alright.
It's been a year of only seeing you in my dreams at night.
It's been a year, and I want you to know that I love you,
It's been a year.
RIP Chuck! You are missed! I love you!
Stevie
Cousin
August 29, 2007
We will miss you buddy. Thanks for everything that you stood for and all of the great things you did for the community. You have impossible shoes to fill! You will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
Casey Bias
Friend
August 29, 2007
Chucky,, I love ya man,, I will never forget you and I will never forget you calling me FATBOY.A "SUPERMAN" you will always be!!!
Corporal fatboy
BPD
August 29, 2007
My heart goes out to all of your loved ones and close friends on this first anniversary of your EOW. I know that every day since you have been gone the first thought they think of as they begin each day is of you and the last thought before they drift off to sleep at the end of the day is of you. You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.
Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 28, 2007
To the family of "CHUCK",
I know the 1 year anniversary of Chuck's death is coming soon, and I know that this year has been very hard on all of you guys. I have remembered you all in my prayers and all though I did not know Chuck personally my boss Mike was a dear friend of Chucks and through him I have learned what a commited officer, husband,father, and friend he was.
I have one of Chuck's stickers on my car as well as my husband, who had met Chuck a few times, we are PROUD to have this on our car and to know what it stands for...along with all the other officers that put their lives on the line every day...I want to say THANK YOU to Chuck for giving your life, your heroism will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace and know that your fellow officers are making you proud!!
CHERYL
BECKLEY RESIDENT/WIFE OF A FEDERAL OFFICER
August 24, 2007
Well Chuck,
Today is Father's Day, and you and Mark are not here with us, It is a day that hard to deal with...We miss you so very much..You are still with us, and in you're daughter's eyes, we still see you..
We love and miss you always....
Alexandria K Amick
Mother In Law
June 17, 2007
Hello my name is Sean Wyman. I am a VICE Investigator for the Tallahassee Police Department in Tallahassee Florida. For the last three years I have been a proud member of Chapter 8 of the Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour is the largest non profit organization for the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC. Every year we ride 250 miles from Virginia to Washington DC in honor of Law Enforcemt officers who were killed in the line of duty. This year I had the distinct pleasure of riding in honor of Detective Smith. I felt a close bond with Smith being that we both are young officers and both Vice detectives. I tried to locate the family of Detective Smith but was unsuccessful. I wanted to say I am sorry for your loss and your family and agency will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank You for the honor God of allowing me to ride for Detective Smith.
We ride for those who died!
Sean Wyman
Inv. Sean Wyman
Tallahassee Police Department
May 15, 2007
Chuck, your in my prayers brother. Thanks for putting the crack down on all the evil in the world. Now only if we can start executing them to rid them from this earth.
Peace
Billy Belcher
Friend
April 1, 2007
Chuck, it's been a while i know, but we have not let up in our fight to clean up the streets. Myself, Reynolds and Shelton are in the Street Crimes Unit and we hammer East Beckley and East Park everyday. The other night we sat in your favorite spot on Antonio Ave. when you were on patrol and we got two DUI'S and some dope in a thirty minute time period. Even though your gone and things will never be the same, we will still carry on the fight. Rest in Peace Brother.
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Cpl. Mark Larkin
Beckley Police Dept.
March 25, 2007
What happened to you forever changed this community. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago. I still can't drive through that area of town without picturing the street exactly how it looked that morning. The snow doesn't matter, I still see leaves on the trees and tape blocking off the scene. Even in your death you continue to inspire the community you protected. You and the love your family and fellow detectives have for you inspires me. We'll never be able to understand what happened, but we can take action so no one forgets. This summer we're hosting a run in town in your honor to help kids in the Beckley community. We want to provide a healthy drug-free lifestyle to kids, using you as the example. Many of your fellow police officers are even running --some are so dedicated they even started training-- that really shows how much they love you!
Rontina McCann
February 3, 2007
Late Summer's heat had faded,
A morning sun began to rise.
When the news that we had lost him
brought a tear to every eye.
I saw the angels standing
just beyond the clear blue sky.
As I fell on bended knee,
and quietly wondered why.
Like only angels could,
they gathered all around.
To tell a simple story
of a brother dressed in brown.
I know your hearts are heavy
and you struggle to understand.
Of why you lost a brother,
such a good and decent man.
On this earth you may never know,
and should never question why.
But each of you should know
it's okay if tough guys cry.
He sends this message to you,
some things he'd like to say.
Please carry on the mission
because he made it home okay.
"You know I gave my all,
and always did my best.
And never was I prouder,
than to pin that badge upon my chest."
"My times with you were special,
too many to recall.
So hold them dear and close,
for I've answered heaven's call."
"And even though I'm gone,
you know I'm with you still.
May the fire still burn inside you,
and may they never break your will."
"If your hearts are sometimes troubled,
then lend your ear up to the wall.
And if you listen closely,
you'll hear my laughter down the hall."
An angel reached down quitely
and took our brother by the hand.
Together they both walked
to heaven's promised land.
And just outside the gates
stood a sign in letters bold.
It read, " I only take the best,
to police my streets of gold."
Author
P.A. Blume BPD
Dedicated to our friend and brother,
Detective Cpl. Chuck Smith
Beckley Police Department
May 21, 2001- August 29, 2006
Cpl. Paul Blume
Beckley Police Department
February 1, 2007
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