In Loving Memory of Officer Roger Smith A Hero Honored, A Community Mourning
The community of Raleigh and Garner is grieving deeply following the tragic loss of Officer Roger Smith, a WakeMed Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty earlier this morning. His passing has sent waves of shock, sorrow, and heartfelt reflection throughout the region, touching the lives of fellow officers, medical staff, family, friends, and countless individuals who understood the profound importance of his service.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., a solemn and emotional procession left WakeMed Raleigh, escorting Officer Smith’s body with the utmost respect and honor. Local law enforcement agencies from across the area joined together—lights flashing, flags lowered, and hearts heavy with grief—to accompany him on his final journey to the State Medical Examiner’s Office off Blue Ridge Road. The scene was powerful: officers standing shoulder to shoulder, first responders saluting, citizens lining sidewalks in quiet tribute, and members of the medical community pausing their busy routines to honor the life of a man who dedicated himself to protecting theirs.
Officer Roger Smith served not only as a protector of the hospital grounds but as a guardian of peace for patients, staff, and families who walked through those doors every day. WakeMed Police Officers stand in the unique space between public safety and compassionate support—they watch over some of the most vulnerable moments in people’s lives, and Officer Smith embodied that calling with grace, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
His loss is felt deeply within the WakeMed family, where his presence was familiar, steady, and reassuring. Colleagues remember him as a professional who took pride in his work, a teammate who always had others’ backs, and a man who treated everyone—patients, visitors, nurses, doctors, and fellow officers—with respect and dignity. He was known for his kind demeanor, level-headed judgment, and willingness to help without hesitation.
To lose him in the line of duty is a tragedy that hits at the very core of what community protection stands for. It reminds us of the immense sacrifice our officers make every day—stepping forward when others step back, wearing the weight of responsibility with honor, and risking their own safety to ensure the safety of others.
A Community United in Grief
As the procession moved through the city, many watched with heavy hearts. Some wept. Some stood in silence. Many whispered prayers—prayers for peace, for comfort, and for strength for those left behind.
His family now bears the heaviest burden of all. The pain of their loss is immeasurable, and no words can fully ease the grief of losing someone so loved and so deeply admired. But may they find comfort in knowing that Officer Smith’s life mattered—his service mattered—and his legacy will continue to live on in the lives he protected, the colleagues he served alongside, and the community that stands together to honor him now.
To the Family of Officer Roger Smith
We stand with you.
We grieve with you.
We honor your loved one with gratitude and reverence.
Your husband, father, brother, son, or friend is not just a name in uniform—
He is a hero who gave of himself so others could be safe.
To His Fellow Officers
May you continue your service with the same courage he showed,
remembering that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, Officer Roger Smith
Your watch has ended,
but your service, your bravery, and your love for community
will live on forever.
💙🕊️ Thank you for your sacrifice.
