On Tuesday morning a fleet of helicopters flew overhead as the Columbus Police and Fire Pipe and Drums played the tune of Amazing Grace. The display was in honor a Columbus police officer killed in the line of duty. 27-year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, Officer Steve Smith died on April 12th after being shot two days earlier trying to serve a warrant on a man barricaded in a Clintonville home.
Hundreds of Police Officers from around the state joined family and friends of Smith for the funeral mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church.
Visitors like Karyn Hanley didn’t know Smith personally but says she felt compelled to attend out of respect for all police officers. Hanley says thinking about the family members who had been left behind moved her. She brought her neighbor Linda and young son Wyatt to observe the procession.
"I think this is a good lesson for my son who’s 11 to really see the outpouring of love for someone even though we didn’t directly know them,"said Hanley
Melissa Worthington says her husband worked with Smith for about five years. She says his passing has been hard, but it’s also brought back fond memories of the officer.
"Steve always told him, if you’re 15 minutes early you’re on time. If you’re on time you’re late," Worthington says laughing. "That’s kind of how he was, punctual, he had high expectations of himself and others."
Worthington says Smith’s death has served as a reminder of the risks officers take.
"Recently there’s been a lot of negative news about Police Officers and that’s hard to hear from them and for family, because they do so much for us," Said Worthington.
Smith had a distinguished career. He served on the SWAT team, helicopter unit, narcotics bureau and dive team. Chief of Police Kim Jacobs echoed a message shared by many, that Smith was charismatic and truly believed in his work.
“My hope is that this sentiment is carried forward as people everywhere continue to recall Steve’s courage, his sacrifice and generosity for the people that he didn’t even know. And that includes the eight people who have new life thanks to Steve’s organ donation.”
Steve Smith was 54 years old. He leaves behind a wife and two children.