Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Glenn E. Smith

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Saturday, October 24, 1970

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Glenn E. Smith

Officer Smith,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Detroit. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 24, 2020

RIP forever.

First Sergeant Tom Webb, Retired
New York State Police

September 21, 2018

I had just returned home from the ARMY and started classes at Wayne State. Glenn sat next to me in one class and we talked often of his work in Car Boosters. One day he was not in class and it was announced that he had been killed. A very somber mood came over the other students, many of whom were also Detroit officers. After finishing Wayne State, I joined the Department, stayed a few years, and moved on to Miami-Dade. Over my career, I have known, worked with, and supervised many officers who have been killed on the job. Glenn was the first. He was such a nice person. I will always remember him.

Sgt. Jim Scott (ret)
Miami-Dade Police Department.

July 24, 2018

I'm retired Detroit Police, aged 65. At the time of Patrolman Smith's assassination, I was an 18 year old Police Cadet working at the Dept's. Control Center (this was when cops had to be 21, not 18.) The Control Center was manned (sorry, no women yet) by Sgts. and Lts. who monitored all the major crimes city-wide. When it came out on the radio that an officer had been shot, all Hell broke loose.
As I recall he was working U.C. and shot long range from the Black Panther location. Here I was a naive white kid from Detroit, wanting to be a Police Officer, and the first cop I hear getting murdered is an African American copper killed by the Black Panthers.
Police lives matter. Rest in peace, Glen Smith.

(Ret.) Sgt. Dale Mathes
Detroit Police Dept.

August 14, 2017

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

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

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 3, 2014

October 24, 2010

My cousin Glenn,

Today marks 40 years since your end of watch. I have cried so many times missing you during these 40 years. My heart was shattered the day you were killed. I remember dad receiving the phone call and he could barely say your name as he told me you were gone. I remember the last time I saw you…you were in full uniform getting ready for work. It did not stop you from picking me up and giving me the best of hugs including the squeeze.

I remember every promise you made to me. Ten years after you were gone, somehow you manage to keep the one extra, extra special promise that you always said was the most important to you. I love you for keeping that promise.

I still feel every hug, kiss and remember every word of encouragement. I always knew that your love was never ending and I have felt your presence in my life.

I have thought of you often, especially at every major event in my life: my graduations, my wedding, my husband's graduation from the police academy, the birth of each of my children. I have missed you so very much.

You made me feel so special when you whispered into my ear. Today, I think of you as I have so many times and whisper, “I still love you more that the earth will ever know, the stars will never outshine the love that I hold for you. I will love you always no matter how old you grow; you will always be my little Canadian sweetheart”.

Glenn, I love you always, your little Canadian sweetheart Laura K

Laura Williams Spouse of Ret LAPD Lt
Cousin

October 23, 2010

Dear Glenn: It has been 40 years since your watch ended, at the hands of those terrorist thugs, who were making war on the United States. I remember that terrible day that we lost you, and how the cowards chose to surrender to save themselves. I remember those days, when the radio dispatchers gave a warning to patrol cars about the presence of black panther houses in the area. These criminals would shoot at police officers without warning or without provocation. You sir are a member of a elite group of heros, who stood at the front in defense of your city and country. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

D/Sgt. Bill Pendergast (ret.)
D.P.D.

July 19, 2010

I still remember our days in class at Wayne State University studying for our various classes and exams in the Police Administration Course. You were a true and dear friend and I reflected upon it today while watching a documentary about the 60's and 70's. Tears came to my eyes and I remembered the extreme sacrifice you paid to keep the citizens of Detroit safe and sound. Rest in Peace my friend and may all never forget. I never will, even though I left the Detroit Police Department and continued my law enforcement career in California and Wisconsin. I will never forget you.

Eugene E. Williams
Personal Friend/Former Detroi Police Officer

February 10, 2008

I hope you are resting peacefully Sir.

Thank you for choosing to serve and protect.

Sterling Heights

December 7, 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

November 13, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is very disappointed that justice was not served on your behalf and I am so angry that any one would even consider naming a street after a black panther after all of the killing of so many police officers. I am so sorry that it has even become an issue.

Rest in peace, Sir, God Bless you, your family and police family, you are a hero and no one can every take that away from you.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Manchaester, NH

October 20, 2007

Some things in life are not forgotten. RIP classmate.

Former DPD
Classmate from 68-K

April 27, 2007

Officer Smith, you have not been forgotten. The first slap in the face for your family and brother officers came in the way of an acquittal in your case. Now the City of Chicago wants to name a street after one of the Black Panthers that was killed in a police standoff back in the late 60's. I find this unacceptable and I will fight this proposal to the best of my abilities, even if I have to appear at City Hall. You are the HERO Glenn. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

March 1, 2006

The following is a letter sent to Chicago City Councilwoman Madeline Haithcock who has sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers.

************************************************************************

King County, in Seattle Washington just announced today that they will adorn all county seals, flags, papers, patches and badges with the image of Martin Luther King... I personally am proud to wear the image of my childhood "HERO" on my uniform and badge.

I am however shocked and appauled that you sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers. Members of the radical group were responsbible for the murders of 5 law enforcement officers, including 2 Chicago officers during his chairmanship.

I can think of the families of the murdered officers (Frank Rappaport ~ John Gilhooly ~ Glenn Smith ~ Kenneth Patrick ~ Ricky Kinchen), and how horrified they might feel to see this supposed honor. Please think of "all" involved before moving on with this idea.

Glenn McGloughlin

Officer Glenn R. McGloughlin
King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention

February 28, 2006

Rest in Peace,Sir.Our Lord will see to justice.

February 28, 2006

Thank you for your service Officer Smith

Officer
Maryland

January 22, 2006

Officer Smith,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Detroit. It's a shame that a jury couldn't have found any of the scum that murdered you guilty.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 24, 2005

REST IN PEACE GLENN

GLENN AND I WORKED TOGETHER IN THE THIRTEENTH PRECINCT. AT THAT TIME WE WORKED PLAIN CLOTHES AND CALLED THE BOSTER CAR.
ON THE DATE IN QUESTION I CAME TO WORK AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS EITHER THREE OR FOUR OF US WORKING, WHICH WAS TO MANY FORONE CAR. AS A RESULT I WAS ALLOWED TO TAKE THE NIGHT OFF.
GLENN AND THE OTHER OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A OFICER NEEDING HELP AT 16TH AND MYMERLE. THE BLACK PANTHER PARY HAD BARACADED THEMSELFS IN A HOUSE AND WAS EXCHANGING GUN FIRE WITH POLICE OFFICER. AFTER HOURS OF STAND OFF OFFICER GLENN WAS FOUND MORTALLY WOUNDED. THE BACK PANTHER SURENDERED TO A NEW PAPER REPORTER

SGT. ROBERT STRICKLEN
DPD 13TH PCT

October 13, 2005

Rest in peace my brother officer in blue. You are not forgotten. The few of us left still remember the good times going through the academy (68-K) in Palmer Park.

1968 Academy Classmate
Detroit

July 24, 2004

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.