Dallas

Hundreds Attend Memorial Service for Slain Dallas Police Sgt. Michael Smith

Live video of a funeral for Dallas Police Department veteran Sgt. Michael Smith will appear in the player above beginning at noon Thursday.

Dallas Police Patrol Sgt. Michael Smith was remembered at a public service Thursday, one week after he and four other officers were killed in the shooting at a Dallas protest. 

The service was held at noon at Watermark Church in Dallas.

"Mike closed his eyes in history, and then opened them in heaven. That's the belief we hang on to," said Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown.

Speaking at the funeral for slain Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith, Chief of Police David Brown leans on his faith in a message directed at the officer’s family.

Brown reiterated that the police community will be support for Smith's wife Heidi and his two daughters, Victoria and Caroline.

Retired Dallas Police Officer Lance Wyatt remembered Smith as the man who served as a protector during his years of service to the U.S. Army and the Dallas Police Department.

Retired Dallas police officer Lance Wyatt remembers his friend, slain Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith, during his memorial service July 14, 2016.

Smith once received a "Cops' Cop" Award for the Dallas Police Association, and Wyatt said Smith was the recipient of 51 internal and 28 external commendations.

"I personally witnessed that Mike was the police officer that could be counted on by citizens that he served, by fellow officers, and by his supervisors, that included me," said Wyatt.

Dallas police Sgt. Anthony Tyrone Pickens remembers his friend, slain Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith, during his memorial service July 14, 2016.

Sgt. Anthony Tyrone Pickens recalled Smith's friendship, they had worked 16 years together on an extra job at Cinemark movie theater and attended the same church.

"When promoting to sergeant Mike bought me a gift -- a gold pen and a bottle of Advil aspirins. He said 'you will need the Advil more than the pen,' and said 'welcome to my world,'" said Pickens.

Pickens also recalled Smith as a Christian and devoted family man.

"Our hearts are heavy, we all are heartbroken," said Pickens.

An individual whose identity cannot be released, remembers his friend, slain Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith, during his memorial service July 14, 2016.

An undercover officer also spoke to the hundreds of mourners about his mentor and one-time supervisor.

"10 and a half years ago, Mike stood behind me, urging me on, but now our roles have changed, Mike, now it's my turn to stand behind you, support you, your family and challenge everyone in this room and listening to be courageous in the days and weeks and months ahead." he said. "This desire to uphold what is right and the unity that has been created between law enforcement and the community can not stop once the last officer has been laid to rest."

At the funeral for slain Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith, Pastor Todd Wagner gives the opening remarks on Smith and his relationship with service and faith.

Smith's Public Visitation Tuesday

Hundreds attended Smith's public visitation Tuesday at the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Farmers Branch. Officers from as far away as New York and Boston attended.

"So happy all these police officers from all over the country are here. That means a lot," Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said.

The Dallas Police Department choir sings at the funeral for slain Sgt. Michael Smith, July 14, 2016.

Smith's flag-draped casket arrived at the church earlier in the afternoon, escorted by fellow Dallas police officers.

"He's an amazing person. He was a professional from start to finish," said Dallas officer and former partner Marcie St. John. "He was a family man. He was a cop's cop. He was just a good, all around person. What mattered most to him was taking care of other people. His whole life was about service."

Dallas police Sgt. Anthony Tyrone Pickens remembers his friend, slain Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith, during his memorial service July 14, 2016.

Rawlings and Dallas Police Chief David Brown were among the many who filed past Smith's casket, which will be guarded by two Dallas police officers overnight.

Smith's wife, Heidi, is a fourth-grade teacher at Mary Immaculate Catholic School, where his 9- and 14-year-old daughters attend school.

"It's tough on me. It's tough on my staff. It's heart-wrenching," said Father Michael Forge.

Funerals were held Wednesday for Dallas Police Sr. Cpl. Lorne Ahrens and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Officer Brent Thompson.

Dallas Police Officer Michael Krol's funeral is set for Friday, and Dallas police Officer Patrick Zamarripa's funeral will be held Saturday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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