[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SENIOR CORPORAL NORMAN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. 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, TX. 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 12 
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 Officer of the Year.
  There is no doubt that Sr. Cpl. Smith was not only exemplary of those 
who 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.

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