Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sheriff Smith served in the Army ROTC Department at KEMPER MILITARY SCHOOL & COLLEGE, his last posting before his military retirement. He is remembered as an affable fellow known to the cadets as "Sneaky Pete" referring to his Special Forces designation and the small dagger in the SF Emblem. Hard to believe he met his demise in this way after his hazardous duty with the Phoenix Program in RVN. I recall hearing about the incident on the national news at the time. There is a memorial plauqe to him on the lawn in front of the Cooper County Courthouse, Boonville, MO.

anonymous
Former Cadet

June 7, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R

December 10, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 10, 2020

I recall that horrible night you were killed. I was patrolling my county next to yours when I heard the calls come over the radio. My stomach knotted up as I called our Sheriff to inform him and everyone went to help. Your laugh is what I recall the best. Our department going over and having breakfast in the middle of the night with your department at Bobbers.. You were an honest good man. Thank You Sheriff

Ken Endsley
Retired Chief Deputy Howard County, Mo

August 28, 2020

Sheriff Charles R. Smith served a distinguished army career in the US Army Special Forces. He was a combat veteran and served on my A-Team. He was so proud to serve as Sheriff and was on his second tour. He loved the people of his county regardless of their station in life. He loved his family. He will always be in my heart.

Steve
Friend and Comrade in Arms

September 24, 2019

Sheriff Charles R. Smith served a distinguished army career in the US Army Special Forces. He was a combat veteran and served on my A-Team. He was so proud to serve as Sheriff and was on his second tour. He loved the people of his county regardless of their station in life. He loved his family. He will always be in my heart.

Steve
Friend and Comrade in Arms

September 24, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 10, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 23, 2018

Sheriff Charles R. Smith will never be forgotten for his service to our society. May his soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

April 22, 2018

May you Rest In Peace. Thank you for your service.

Deputy S. Yates
Covington County Sheriff Department

December 10, 2016

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 10, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I was appalled when I learned of the circumstances of the four brutal murders which took place on this day twenty years ago. This incident must have devastated your community, and I am glad that final justice was rendered for you, Deputy Wilson, Deputy Roark, and for Pam Jones.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 10, 2011

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know they do not grieve alone.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

October 7, 2009

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. RIP.

May 9, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 6, 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 6, 2007

You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

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

January 5, 2007

Rest in peace Sheriff. Your service and sacrifices are not forgotten. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

SGT Dan Hopkins
MO Army National Guard / Res Deputy Sheriff, Cole County

November 29, 2006

Sheriff Smith, thank you for your service to the members and community in Cooper County. You responded to an area where you heard gunfire to assist a fellow deputy in trouble. May you rest in peace Sheriff.

Sergeant Alan Adair #3029
Guernsey County Sheriff's Office (Oh)

January 24, 2006

To the friends,family and extended law enforcement family of Sheriff Smith peace be with each and every one of you. You were not alone then and you are not alone now. (Sgt Greg Hunter 6/18/04)

Grand Prairie Police, Tx

November 21, 2005

No officer that gave his life should be without reflection……

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”

Anonymous