Veteran Dallas Officer Killed In Ambush Remembered
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
FARMERS BRANCH (CBS11) - Sgt. Michael Smith's widow, daughters and former law enforcement partner sat in the front row of Mary Immaculate Church in Farmers Branch Wednesday.
His oldest daughter, Victoria, sang quietly along with the choir.
Rev. Michael Forge shared a story of Smith's daughter, Caroline when they were at the hospital after the officer had been shot in Thursday's ambush in downtown Dallas.
"Caroline asked me, why did God do this? I immediately answered and said God didn't do this, the anti-God did this," said Forge.
Then he said Caroline told him she was able to give her dad one last hug and kiss before he died.
"I immediately looked at Caroline and said 'Caroline, now God did that. That's what God does'," said Forge.
The church packed with those wanting to say a final goodbye, a final thank you.
Smith's sister, Yea-Mei Sauer said her brother would be embarrassed by the attention.
"All of this would make him uncomfortable. He'd be angry with me, all of us, for bringing attention to him. [he'd say] This is what you are supposed to do. No thanks needed," said Sauer.
Smith was a 28-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department when he was shot and killed by sniper suspect Micah Johnson.
Smith was one of five officers killed last Thursday night
Senior Cpl. Marcie Saint John was Smith's partner for five years.
"I was his best man at his wedding. Yes, I was," said Saint John.
Saint John and dozens of others called Smith a cop's cop, one of the good guys and mentor.
"He helped mold who I am as an officer like he has done for so many officers on the force," said Saint John.
Sauer said Smith's death would not be in vain.
"He'd want us to continue to fight the good fight," said Sauer.
A public service is planned for noon Thursday at Watermark Community Church in Dallas where Smith was a private security guard.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)