Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Irving W. Smith

New York City Transit Police Department, New York

End of Watch Friday, February 29, 1980

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Reflections for Police Officer Irving W. Smith

I remember watching a memorial video for Fallen NYC Transit Patrolman Micheal Melchiona who was lost in the line of duty in 1970. His brother, Retired, Officer Henry Melchiona, mentioned you in his tribute to his fallen brother. He explained to the younger cops how you were his partner and knew how to dress very sharply.

I never realized how small the nyc transit police department really was when you are the partners with a police officer whose brother was lost in the line of duty yet you lost your life in the line of duty after attending the funeral of a fellow transit police officer who was killed in the line of duty. The 2nd Transit Police Officer to lose his life in that time frame in 1980 in such a short period of time.

Life can be very tragic at times. These coincidences listed above really show how dangerous the nyc transit system really was and how you and others made it safer sacrificing your lives for others to help keep it safe!

As a former New Yorker who rode the subway from my teens to college and patrolled it, Thank you Officer Smith!

Christian Durante
-Retired NYPD Auxiliary Police Sergeant-68 pct Auxiliary Unit
-Proud Federal Employee & Proud American
-Volunteer USCG Auxiliary

December 4, 2023

I don't know if anyone will see this, but I am the stepsister of Officer Smith. I was only twelve years old when he was shot and killed. If anyone is in contact with his son, Gary, please pass along my e-mail address. I have not been in contact with him and his mother since my Dad, Joseph Irving Smith passed in 1990. Rest in peace, brother.
Tamara L. Smith (Tammy)

Ms. Tamara Smith
Sister of the Deceased

February 19, 2021

Thank you for your service. RIP

Mike Fiorese
Civilian

May 19, 2020

Officer Smith,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 29, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Smith.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2019

I.W., your crossed my mind a few moments ago, so I looked you up. I cannot believe that it has been 37 years since we last spoke. We were coming from Seraphin's funeral.
As a senior officer I looked up to you. I shall never forget your smile as you said, "See you later Spoon".
Rest my brother. I will, see you later.
Spoon

Detective Grtaham Weatherspoon
NYC Transit Police Major Case / NYPD

April 1, 2017

Officer Smith,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 29, 2016

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.
Continue to keep watch on all of us from your platform in the sky.

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

September 13, 2012

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

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

February 29, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 29, 2012

RIP Sir, thank you for your sevice and well training of new officers in firearms.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 24, 2012

Thank you for your courageous action, which you took in an attempt to save others from danger!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

December 3, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Smith and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

February 26, 2009

I remember the night we left District 4 to go home. I took you home on the back of my motor cycle. You will always be remembered and in my prayers. Miss you Brother!!!

Det. Freddy Mack
NYC Transit Poice Dept Retired

October 26, 2008

RIP and watch over your loved ones.

Anonymous

September 18, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 29, 2008

You have not been forgotten. Rest Hero.

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

February 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 24, 2008

Little did I know that when I spoke and laughed with you earlier that day it would truly be our last conversation. I thank God for your brotherhood, caring and your memory.

Detective Graham Wetherspoon
New York City Transit Police Department

July 2, 2007

officer Smith , you live in the memory of all who knew you . i wish i had known you as well . you are my brother !thank you for sharing the thin blue with me ... you will never be forgotten , we have the watch from here...

officer val pickens
birmingham p.d./birmingham,al

May 25, 2007

R.I.P. Dad.....love Merle'Smith Soden AKA Conscious

September 28, 2006

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

Police Officer

March 24, 2006

A Million Times

A million times we've needed you,
A million times we've cried.
If love alone could've saved you,
You would have never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else could ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
Part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

March 7, 2005

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 8, 2005

Your memory will always be carried on with the dignity and respect for their is no greater love than to sacrifice one's life for your fellow brothers and sisters. The members of the NYC Transit Police Memorial Lodge #317 are proud and honored to call you one of our own.

Sgt. Michael Fanning
NYCTPD

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