Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Officer Smolka. You are not forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

October 29, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Francis Smolka of the Vermilion Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 29, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Francis Smolka of the Vermilion Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 29, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Francis Smolka of the Vermilion Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 29, 2022

Uncle Francis—- so many years have passed and every time the world looses a law enforcement officer I think of you. Your brother (Rich) and my Dad survived the force and federal law enforcement. Still a cop at heart though even at 85 years young. Thanks for watching over all of us!

Janet Szymanksi Tobin
Neice

February 4, 2022

It's been several years since I stopped by to pay my respects. Frank and I met at a local community college, and I think about him often. Rest easy, Frank!

Ptl B L Waltz (Ret)
Avon Lake PD OH

December 4, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Francis Smolka of the Vermilion Police Department, Ohio and the additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 29, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Smolka.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 29, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Francis Smolka Vermilion Police Department, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

October 29, 2017

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Francis Smolka Vermilion Police Department, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

October 29, 2017

Frank and I had some classes together at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. What a shock when we learned he passed away. He was a quiet easy going guy, fun to be around. Sorry I didn't have a chance to know him better.

Patrolman Bryan Waltz (Retired))
Avon Lake PD, Ohio

June 15, 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 36th 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 28, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

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

October 29, 2013

RIP Sir

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

September 22, 2012

"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

January 8, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

October 29, 2007

I didnt get the chance to know him.Im sure he was a wonderful guy.Everyone still thinks of him!

Captain
Explorer

January 31, 2007

we started together i am still here struggling to do the right thing we had many good times i still miss you if i do something stupid let me know

chief robert kish
vermilion pd

September 2, 2006

Patrolman Smolka, May your family find some comfort in knowing that you are remembered for being a TRUE HERO who protected, and put others needs before his own. God Bless

OHIO
summit county
11-11-2005

November 10, 2005

Your service and dedication are remembered. Rest in peace.

a citizen

October 29, 2004