Dallas / Fort Worth Local News

DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ― Friday, the final farewell was held for fallen Dallas police officer Senior Corporal Norm Smith.

Funeral services were held at The Potter's House, where an estimated 6,000 people showed up to pay their respects to the veteran officer.

"Senior Corporal Smith consistently distinguished himself as one of the best of the best on the Dallas Police Department," said Dallas Police Sgt. Phyllis Williams.

"We're going to do our job and we're going to do it well," said Sr. Cpl. B. K. Nelson. "Right now Norm is sitting her and saying, 'Wow. Ya'll doing this and there's somebody out in South Dallas that we need to go find.'"

Smith was also remembered for the deep love between him and his wife, fellow officer Lt. Regina Smith.

"We know each other very very well and I have great love and respect for Regina," said Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle. "If I can take away her pain today and make it mine, I would do that."

Senior Corporal Andy Caceras, Smith's partner of ten years, also spoke at the funeral. He moved mourners to tears, but also made people smile and laugh as he told stories of his partner's love of food and his dislike of exercising. But in the end, it was an emotional goodbye.

"Regina, it's an honor to be a part of your life and Norm's life," he said. "Thank you so much."

Hundreds of police officers from around the state made the journey to honor the fallen officer.

"It's a brotherhood. Not just across the state, but across the country and across the world," said Jorge Suarez, San Antonio Police. If we can be there to support our fellow police officers, we will be there."

Smith was also a fixture at Spruce High School in Dallas. Friday morning, the student council and ROTC gathered at the flag pole to remember the fallen officer. The group held a moment of silence and then lowered the flag to half-staff.

Smith and his wife also visited students at the Jeffries Street Learning Center. There they delivered uplifting messages to students.

The small school is in a tough neighborhood. Friday, the school's 30 students poured their hearts out on paper making homemade sympathy cards for the family.

Later in the afternoon the casket was taken to Restland Memorial Park.

Thousands drove in the procession to the gravesite. The long line of police officers on motorcycles followed the hearse from The Potter's House to the cemetery. Fire trucks lined an overpass to pay a special tribute to Sr. Cpl. Smith.

Sr. Cpl. Smith was a Marine for four years and at one point along the procession route, there was a lone Marine standing on the side of the freeway. One man held an American flag as the hearse passed by.

The traffic rush didn't seem so important to many drivers who stopped their cars and stood on the side of the road to show their respect to the fallen officer.

When the funeral procession arrived at the graveyard it drove under an American flag being held high by two Dallas fire trucks.

From the emotional funeral at The Potter's House, to a moving graveside service, Friday was a day full of honor and remembrance.

Nearly 300 people gathered outside the Dallas Police Headquarters Thursday night to honor Smith. Click here to read more about the vigil and see video of the ceremony.

Smith died one day shy of his 18th anniversary with the Dallas Police department. He was born and raised in Europe. After finishing military school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for four years.

In 1991, he joined the DPD as a patrol officer and spent 14 years as a member of the gang unit.

There are at least 78 different gangs in Dallas with at least 5,000 members. Most are involved in drug activity and carry guns, making trying to catch and arrest violent gang members dangerous work.

Smith was 43-years-old and leaves behind a wife, daughter and son.

A memorial fund has been established for the fallen officer.  Donations can be made at any City Credit Union branch.  Find a location near you and ask about the Norman S. Smith Memorial Fund.

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