Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Senior Corporal Norman Smith, who died in the line of duty on January 6, 2008. An 18-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, Sr. Cpl. Smith spent his career bravely serving the residents of Dallas, Texas. With a heavy heart, I pay tribute to him and the impact he made in our city.  My condolences are extended to his family and his fellow officers, who are mourning the loss of a husband, father and friend.   



Sr. Cpl. Smith, 43, joined the Dallas Police Department in 1991 and most recently served as a member in the Gang Unit for the past twelve years. Deeply committed to stamping out the influence of gangs, he worked tirelessly to free neighborhoods crippled with violence, crime and drugs. He was instrumental in taking back neighborhood blocks long controlled by gangs in Dallas for years. His work in this area is now credited as a textbook case for federal and local officials working to rid communities of criminal organizations.  Throughout his career, he received numerous commendations and was honored as a Dallas Police Department Office of the Year.



There is no doubt that Sr. Cpl. Smith was not only exemplary of those that choose to serve and protect, but admired and deeply respected by all he met. He will be remembered for his strength of character, respect for all those he encountered and his deep commitment to his police work.  He is described by his own Police Chief as having the “heart of a warrior.” Dallas has truly lost a hero, and we will forever remember the positive changes he brought to the community. His life was a testament to all that can be achieved through dedication to public service.



My prayers are with his wife, Dallas Police Lieutenant Regina Smith, and his teenage son and daughter.  He first met his wife while she was a young police officer, noting that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  During the time they had together, there is no doubt there was much happiness and a unique shared passion for their life’s work.



Madam Speaker, today we mourn the loss of one of Dallas’ finest, Sr. Cpl. Norman Smith. Our city is forever grateful for the sacrifice he has made in the line of duty. His legacy will live on in our hearts and in the community he served.