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Jan 8, 2009 10:58 pm US/Central
Vigil Held For Fallen Dallas Police Sr. Cpl. Smith
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Bagpipes ushered in the beginning of the somber ceremony to honor a fallen Dallas Police Officer. While members
of the community were obviously grieving, they say they were also celebrating the
life of a warrior.
Sr. Cpl. Norm Smith was shot and killed while trying to serve an arrest warrant at a South Dallas apartment complex Tuesday night. Homicide investigators say they are still sorting out the details of exactly what led up to the shooting. The alleged shooter is in jail, charged with capital murder.
Nearly 300 people gathered outside the Dallas Police Headquarters Thursday night to honor Smith.
Click here to watch the entire vigil.
During the vigil, Smith's colleagues and those he has helped spoke about the man they knew and respected. Those who have seen trouble say Smith was good at getting to the core of the problem.
"One time he arrested me and he lectured me all the way down to the Lew Sterrett (a Dallas jail). It was an extra long lecture. I thought I was in class," said Lamont Levels, a former gang leader turned anti-gang activist.
Click here to watch an interview with Levels about Smith's influence.
Earlier Thursday, the United States Flag Of Honor arrived at DFW Airport. The flag flies at every police officer's funeral in the U.S. and also travels overseas with our soldiers. It also flew over Ground Zero after Sept. 11. The flag will fly at half-staff at Dallas Police Headquarters.
Almost the entire gang unit went to the flag raising ceremony to share thoughts about the officer.
"He loved us all. He was a great man," said Sr. Cpl. John Fuente of the DPD gang unit. "He was a giant of a man with a great heart to match."
Gang unit officers said Smith had a passion for going after criminals, improving the community and mentoring fellow officers.
"That night I lost a mentor, a good friend, and he's in a better place," said Sr. Cpl. Darian Loera with the DPD gang unit. "I think he's going to be a real good guardian angel to the gang unit."
Smith's friends on the gang unit said he could have been promoted and moved up the ranks in the department, but he wanted to stay on the streets.
Smith will be remembered for his knowledge of the streets, his competence and for the special relationship he shared with his wife.
The former Dallas Police Officer of the Year would have marked his 18th year on the force on Jan. 7. He was popular with his peers, dozens of whom went to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas when paramedics took Smith to the hospital on Jan. 6.
Click here to read more about Smith's impact on the community.
"He was an awesome officer, and I think everyone is backing this guy here and the family," said Dunkin' Donuts manager Debby Vurkett.
WBAP and Dunkin Donuts are joining together to help raise money for Smith's family.
The fundraiser is part of the Dallas Police Association's Assist The Officer Foundation.
Dunkin' Donut customers can donate cash or checks to the foundation at any location in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
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.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
RAW VIDEO: 100-Mile Police Chase
Click Here To Leave Your Condolences For Smith's Family
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