WESTERVILLE, OH (WCMH) – It was a somber day as Officer Steven Smith was laid to rest, more than a week after he was shot in the line of duty.
Smith was shot in the head during a barricade situation in Clintonville April 10. He died two days later.
Thousands attended Tuesday’s funeral at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville.
The funeral began at 11am with a procession from the Columbus Police and Fire Pipes and Drum Corps. Following the service, the Columbus Police Honor Guard led a ceremony outside the church that included a riderless horse, a helicopter flyover and a 21 gun salute.
Among those at the funeral there were officers, deputies and troopers from dozens of surrounding areas. Some in attendance will be from as far away as Chicago and Colorado.
“We think it’s important for the department to be represented across the country when officers are killed in the line of duty. It helps show solidarity and unity among law enforcement across the nation,” said Sgt. Cassidee Carlson from the Aurora Police Department.
The week leading up to the funeral has been filled with remembrances, processions and impromptu shows of support.
In a procession of police patrol cars and SWAT vehicles, Officer Smith’s body was transferred from a funeral home in downtown Columbus to the church in Westerville Monday afternoon. Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs was part of the procession. “It’s so gratifying to see so many people saluting, hand over their heart for Steve as we passed by,” Jacobs said. “We truly appreciate all that support. It’s nice to know that it’s there.”
On Sunday, Columbus police shared a video of Graham Webb III stopping to play Taps in front of Columbus police headquarters. Webb told NBC4 he wanted to show his appreciation and sorrow for Officer Smith.
“Everybody that I know of has the same feelings,” Webb said. “They might not be playing taps, but they still have the sadness in their heart.”
Two days after his death, office, many lined the street as Officer Smith’s body was given a ‘Hero’s Escort’ from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office to a downtown funeral home.
Throughout the week, people have been leaving mementos and flowers at the Columbus Police Memorial near COSI. David Hauck, from Grandview Heights was among the first, showing up at the memorial at 5:30am Wednesday to place flowers at the foot.
“That man paid the ultimate price. Could have retired, still worked for the Columbus Police Department. I’m very grateful. I wouldn’t ask anyone to pay that price,” said Hauck.
A memorial fund has been set up through CME Federal Credit Union. Contributions can be made at any of the Central Ohio branches or via mail to: Steven M. Smith Memorial Fund, c/o CME Federal Credit Union, 365 S. 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43215.What others are clicking on:
