Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Dominique Smith~ you're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support with those around you.
God bless you & rest in peace, Deputy Sheriff Smith!

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of a fallen MI P.O. eow 2004

January 21, 2009

Deputy D. Smith Rest in Peace.

C.O. Stephen D. Celestino
Westchester County Dept. of Correction, NY

January 21, 2009

Your department lost a great man to Gods kingdom. Although not palnned you are now in the company of all our heroic, honorable dedicated brothers and sisters in the badge. Know your name will not be forgotten by those you have left behind and they will care for your family. Your new assignment will have no more dangers and will only be filled with grace and peace. Rest in peace.
In Christ, Tom Bradley, Arizona State Chaplain, FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD

January 21, 2009

Rest in peace bro',we'll take it from here.

PO JA Bottillo
Troy NY PD

January 21, 2009

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 21, 2009

REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF E.J. MORRIS
RANDOLPH MO P.D.

January 21, 2009

God be with you and all those who mourn you. God bless you all.

K.L.

January 21, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

K-9 Officer Tom Summerville Jr
Eutaw Police Departyment

January 21, 2009

God bless you and your family.

Officer

January 21, 2009

On behalf of the 5,239 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Deputy Smith’s family as well as the members of the Torrance County Sheriff's Office. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

January 21, 2009

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 out 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."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx

January 21, 2009

Deputy Sheriff Dominique Smith:

Our duty as law officers is over-stocked with situations that place us in danger. Sometimes, it is not intentional that we are killed while performing our duty, but this is no consolation to those who accompany us in life as family members and friends when an incident occurs.

It is encumbent upon those who see us on the highway, doing our duty and keeping others safe, that each passing motorist must realize they are a potential threat to us. All it takes is a combination of understanding, slowing-down, moving safely to a lane away from us, and making a commitment to consciously support what we do to make our lives a bit more safe. It is the very least an appreciative public can offer to the law enforcement effort. Who among us would not be grateful for the services of a law officer to one of our family or friends who are on the highway and broken down, involved in a crash or even the for intervention of perhaps a traffic violation endangering ourselves and those around us?

Deputy Dom Smith is yet another fallen officer who has given his life doing his duty in spite of the hazards that exist. In spite of those who do not care. In spite of all the risks of his job. He died doing what law officers do. This alone makes him a hero among heros.

To him I am proud to render a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

January 21, 2009

Rest In Peace Deputy. Patrol on from above as your fellow Deputies continue on down here. My condolences to your Family and the Torrence Cnty SO.

PO Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

January 21, 2009

Deputy Smith thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. God bless you. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

January 21, 2009

God Bless you! Rest in Peace.

PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY

January 21, 2009

"Dom", God must have had work for you up above, as he knew a good man when he needed one. We will miss you dearly. You were an inspiration to the young, a good friend to those you worked with and were blessed just to know you. There is not enough to be said about your work done here on earth. From your duties as a deputy, mechanic, coach, father, husband, son, and friend - you mastered them all. You were always there when someone needed assistance in any area. Thanks "Dom" for so many memories and May You Rest Peacefully. WE love ya!

Your Friend...
Judicial System

January 21, 2009

May God be with your family and the Torrance County SO.

It is not how this officer passed that made him a HERO;
It is how he lived!!

T. Miller, Area Commander
US Federal Protective Service

January 21, 2009

Dep Smith, rest in peace our brother. We'll take over from here.

Sgt Richard Eckert
Town of Chester PD

January 21, 2009

Deputy Smith,

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

January 21, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sheriff Smith today and always.. Rest in Peace Sir..

Joyce
SIster of Ofc. John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994 Henrico PD Virginia

January 21, 2009

D/S Smith, although I have never met you, I thank-you for your service to your community and your Deaprtment. Rest in peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy
Prince George's County Police, MD

January 21, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brother. Thank you for your service.

Detective Kevin Kratz
Buena Vista Township Police Department (Michigan)

January 21, 2009

Dominique was one of the most respected Deputy's that Torrance County could ever have. He was a friend and I will miss him deeply. Dominique never had a hateful bone in his body, he treated the people he arrested with the respect each person deserves. He was one of the best and this county will never be the same without him. God bless his family as they are his pride!! I will miss you!!

Jennifer Dispatcher
Friend/co-worker

January 21, 2009

Dominique,

Just want you and your family and friends to know we are here to pick up the pieces...We have been in your families similar situation and we won't let them down...rest safely in peace.

Cheryl Schultz,
NM Concerns of Police Survivors

Cheryl Schultz
Concerns of Police Survivors-New Mexico

January 21, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your agency. RIP Brother in Blue.

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

January 21, 2009