Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The funeral line was long,
There's an awful lot of cars,
Folks came out of the restaurants,
They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites
All let their hammers drop.
Someone asked. "What is this all for?"
And they said, "Aw, just a cop."

Some chuckled at the passing cars.
Some shed a silent tear
Some people said, "It's stupid",
"all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not our fighting crime?"
"Or in a doughnut shop?"
"Sure is a lot of trouble,
For someone who's just a cop."

They blocked the intersections,
They blocked the interstate.
People yelled and cursed,
"Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!"
"They're makin' us all stop!"
"It seems they are sure wastin' time,
On someone who's just a cop."

Into the cemetery now,
The slow procession comes,
The woeful Taps are slowly played.
There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads
"This service is a flop."
"There's lots of good words wasted,
On someone who's just a cop"

Yeah, just a cop to most folks.
Did his duty every day.
Trying to protect us,
Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven,
St. Peter put him at the top.
An angel asked him,
"Who was that?"
And he said, "Aw just a cop."

Chucky, You will be sorely missed. Thank you so much for what you have done. I love ya brother and I'll see ya again someday. To some people you may have been just a cop, but to everyone that matters, We have suffered a terrible loss. Rest in peace.

Joshua Canady
Friend/family

September 3, 2006

Who would have ever believed that 14 months after you took over when Mark died , we would be saying goodbye to you.You were the rock when Mark passed away, and you took over his place for Zach, and you know how i felt about what goodness you had done and did for him, you treated his as a little brother, and scolled him as a father figure when needed.
Now what do we do, I thank God for Monday night when you were at you're house and Zach came over, doing the push ups and all the laughter that was shared, little did we know it was our last time seeing you.
We know where you are now and where you're heart was, and as you made a promise to Mark before he passed, we,Britt, Zach, will always keep you're memory alive and keep and let Tay know what kind of SUPERMAN you were...
When you called me Saturday, and we had our laughter and our talk i will cherish that, we have many wonderful times.
You will always be loved and REMEERED as the person you were.
Be at peace now, and you and Mark can play golf all you want to now...
I love you, and life will never be the same without you...I will cherish all of our memories and you popping across the street to come here to what you called i need to get my grocies, and you leaving with all my food, that is one of the many many fond memories i will cherish...
Be at peace now, you are precious to us...
I know you and Mark are golfing right now as i write..
Until we meet again, R.I.P.
A superman you will always be....
I will always love you..
Alex

Alexandria AMICK
Mother -IN-Law

September 3, 2006

Britney you know I am always here for you. I have been through the death of a spouse at a young age, so I know what you are going through. It may not seem like you can get through this right now, but believe me, with the Lord by your side you can. What I remember most about Chuck is his smile and how his eyes shined as he laughed. He will live on through his daughter, for she is the image of him. Ashley was 4 when her daddy died, and even now at 14 she sometimes just want to ask questions or talk about him, and I will sit and tell her everything she wants to know. That day will come for Taylor, and its then when you can tell her just how much her daddy loved her, and how she is his legacy. To Chuck, I will miss you greatly, and Christmas will not be the same without your jokes. You will be missed by eveyone whose lives you have touched, and those who did not get the chance to know you yet, really missed out on the opportunity of being a friend to such a wonderful young man. Fly with the angels, and you can rest in peace knowing Brit and Taylor will be loved and taken care of.

Terry Ford
aunt by marriage

September 3, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS DET.CORP.SMITH AND HIS FAMILY AS WELL AS ALL HIS FRIEND'S AND CO-WORKER'S.HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILY.GOD BLESS AND R.I.P.

DEPUTY
FAIRFIELD COUNTY S-O LANCASTER,OHIO

September 3, 2006

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Dispatcher Ted Smith
Martin, TN Police Dept.

September 3, 2006

Cpl. Smith,
Thank you for you service and dedication to the community and your country. Although we only met a couple of times through other officers. It was a honor to have known you. You are a hero to us all. Your service was much appreciated by all. Semper Fi brother.

PTL. E.J. Tipton
CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 2, 2006

As a fellow West Virginian raised in Princeton, I salute my fallen brother. May the Lord be with his family during this time of grief as we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that Det Smith gave in the line of duty. And may God bless the Beckley Police Department. Keep the Faith!

Jim Sparks
Crime Scene Unit
Forensics Investigations
Louisville Metro Police Department
633 W. Jefferson
Louisville, KY 40202
502-574-7036
[email protected]

Crime Scene Technician Jim Sparks
Louisville Metro Police Deptartment

September 2, 2006

I didnt know officer Charles Smith, but I am privelaged to know men like him. I thank God often for the men and women of this country who have dedicated their lives to keeping the peace. Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers:for they shall be called the children of GOD." Rest in peace Officer Smith. My prayers are with your family.

R Hawk

September 2, 2006

The memories of Roy and you playing basketball at Sophia JR. High when we rented the Gym. God blessed you with the ability to Golf and to wrestle and of cousre to be and awesome Police Officer. But you could not play Basketball!!!! But it was a joy growing up with you. I will miss you and my prayers are with you and your family! God bless you and family

Matt Gibson
FBOP FCI BECKLEY

September 2, 2006

On Saturday September 2, 2006 family and friends of Detective Corporal Charles "Chuckie" Smith gathered together to become one family and laid to rest a man who will forever be in our hearts and minds. Chuckie touched the lives of everyone around him. He was a father, son, brother, husband, friend and mentor. To me and many others he was a brother with a bond that cannot be broken. Chuckie was a fellow police officer of mine and thousands more throughout the world. And because of that we are family. Chuckie dedicated his life to something that he loved and performed a job that many in the world would not do. And for that we shall all be eternally grateful. Chuckie had an intensity about him that drove him to be the best. Whether it was the best golfer, police officer, wrestler, friend, father or son, Chuckie wanted to be the best. I am proud of the fact that I knew Chuckie and could call him a brother and a friend.

Sgt. C.T. Ragland
Beckley Police Department/friend

September 2, 2006

I spoke with Chuck several times since leaving the Sheriff's Dept. You could tell he was a go-getter, loved his job and believed in what he was doing. His funeral was today and I was there. The immense support of law enforcement and the community renews my faith that what Chuck believed in , we all believe in. A safe, drug free community in which to live. From what was said about Chuck by his friends, co-workers, and family, I have no doubt he is in heaven. His family should know there is a very large extended family here for them, anytime, anywhere.

Det. Sgt. Arthur Bolen
former Raleigh Co Sheriff Dept

September 2, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, fellow officers, marines, church members, and the entire community who have all been gravely effected by this UNNECESSARY tragedy. I am truly sorry for this loss and I thank Chuckie and all law enforcement officers who love what you do (unselfishly} to protect us.

Wife
WV State Trooper

September 2, 2006

On this the day of your funeral, it only seems fitting that rain is pouring down from heaven. May God wrap His loving arms around your wife, child, family and many friends and never let go. May it comfort their hearts to know they will see you again in heaven.

Proud Wife of a
West Virginia State Trooper

September 2, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Det. Smith. May God show you blessings through this tragedy.

Cpl. Mike Fridley
Fayette Coounty Sheriff's Dept., WV

September 2, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family, Heaven just added another brave protector to guard its gates.

Detective Frank M Costanzo # 78
Cleveland Police Department

September 2, 2006

My prayers go out to your wife and 5 month old child. Were never promised a tommorrow. You'll not be forgotten!

Ofc. MacDonald
Kwajalein Police Department/ SRT UNIT

September 2, 2006

May god bless Detective Smith's family and co-workers. My brother was a Beckley police Officer in the past and I grew up in Raleigh County. All of you will be in my prayers.

Sgt. Michael Soulsby
Metropolitan Police Department-Washington DC

September 2, 2006

In a world that has gotten more out of control over the years, we need each other more than ever. We Need angels like Detective Corporal Charles Smith to look over us down here. We need to have each others backs down here, and if we have help from up above, we will be ok. God Speed Detective, Job Well Done! Your brothers in arms will take it from here.
Trooper Thomson
NYSP

Trooper
NYSP

September 2, 2006

My heart goings out to your family and friends. You are so young. I read alot of was said about you. Your big smile. You are a angel from God. God Bless. We just lost a office here in cleveland this week also. So the two of you will still be on duty watching over us.

Darcy j. Morris
Future Mother of a Police Officer

September 2, 2006

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

September 2, 2006

I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Chuck and disappointed that I didn’t get to know him better during our short time together at Beckley PD. He was a genuinely nice guy with a personality that could light up a room. Words can’t describe the grief I feel for his family and friends. I’d like to say thank you to Chuck’s parents for raising a son that gave selflessly of himself in service and friendship to others without asking for anything in return. I know he was proud to call you his own. So many people have the impression that police officers are consumed by the power they possess when, in reality, they are saddened by the lack of influence they seem to have in service to others. Chuck fought the good fight and kept a positive outlook on life while doing so. It takes a special kind of wisdom and insight to embrace human sacrifice on a personal level and Chuck did just that. I pray in time you will find joy in the memories you have and peace in the promises God has made to all of us.

Craig Meadows
MUPD / Former Beckley PD

September 2, 2006

Chucky…what can I say? You are definitely one of a kind. I can remember the first day that I met you at PD. You stopped at the door in Records and introduced yourself with the biggest grin on your face and Monday you said “bye Tiffany” and around the corner you went. I would have never thought that once you turned that corner I would never see you again. I am glad that we got to hang out one last time at Will’s. We all had a great time that night. But the first and last time that I saw your face you had the biggest smile. Your smile was contagious. Anyone that saw you knew that you were either happy or had done something mischievous. I also had the wonderful opportunity of working with you on the hill for awhile. I would see how excited you would get when you, Gant, and Dean would set up buys. You truly loved what you did and it showed. Although my time there was short, you made everyday there meaningful. You made the work fun. Watching you walk in the door, going to lunch everyday, having to roll the windows down in the Denali, I’d give anything to do it all over again. Although your time here on Earth was shortened, you made a great impression on people’s lives in 29 years. Of my 3 years at BPD, I considered you a friend since day one. I am very happy that you became a part of my life. You will never be forgotten. Chuck I love you forever and I’ll miss you always.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it; it is real, but only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Tiffany Smyre
Beckley Police Department

September 1, 2006

It takes a very brave special person to hold down the job of being in law enforcment and at times I think no one notices the sacrifice and the bravery it takes to be one..You only realize it once you are there with that family..You were a brave soul and now God has called you to protect his streets of Gold..May God be with your family and may you rest in peace..Job well done now time to rest..

Ashley Moyer
Wife Of Montgomery Alabama Motor Officer

September 1, 2006

Chucky,

I’ve had the honor of working with you on various fugitive cases but I can’t talk about you without talking about your partners, Dean and Gant. You guys were the true "Three Amigos." You guys were hard charging workers with a genuine enthusiasm for your job. It was obvious that you guys loved your job and worked together as a team. From the streets to the courtroom you guys were extremely professional. I know your partners Gant and Dean will truly miss you as we all will.

I had the utmost respect for you. You were an outstanding police officer and much more. I remember talking to you about high school wrestling and how you helped coach the local high school team. I pray that God will comfort your family, your friends, your department and all those whose lives you have touched.

John Foster
Deputy United States Marshal

September 1, 2006

Detective Corporal Smith and your family will be in our prayers. Now rest in peace my dear brother.

Lieutenant George Hunter - Retired
Beckley Police Department

September 1, 2006