WakeMed police officer Roger Smith honored at funeral: 'He was a gentle giant'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The funeral for WakeMed officer Roger Smith was held Monday in Raleigh. Officer Smith was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex.

About 200 first responders attended the service, including officers who flew into from New York City and Dallas.

Smith was not only a sworn officer but also served his community by fighting fires. He volunteered for 20 years with the Garner Fire Department and worked for the Knightdale Fire Department.

"Roger was a gentle giant. I had the opportunity to work with him just a little bit when he worked at Knightdale," said Wake County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Mark Szajnberg. "It's heavy on every officer as we know that every day we put our uniform on and we leave our families, that it could be our last day. Today's an example and a reminder that when we leave home, that when you leave your family member, you spend a little extra time on a hug, remind them that you love them, and to always be aware of your surroundings."

The funeral was held at Providence Church on Glenwood Avenue. The road was shut down while the North Carolina State Highway Patrol's Caisson Unit took his casket to the church.

An interment was held after the funeral at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton.

The family requests that any donations be made through the 200 Club of Wake County, which provides financial assistance to families of law enforcement serving Wake County who lost their lives in the line of duty. All contributions will go directly to Smith's family.