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  • Courtesy of Vickie Bennett Pitman
  • Visitation at Hope Presbyterian Church
  • Visitation at Hope Presbyterian Church
  • Officer Verdell Smith
  • Officer Verdell Smith
  • Hope Church
  • Visitation at Hope Presbyterian Church
  • Visitation at Hope Presbyterian Church
  • Visitation at Hope Presbyterian Church
  • Visitation at Hope Presbyterian Church
  • Visitation at Hope Presbyterian Church
  • Officer Verdell Smith
  • Officer Verdell Smith
  MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Friends and family of Officer Verdell Smith patiently waited to pay their respects to the man who gave his life to serve and protect the city of Memphis. Earlier in the day, Officer Smith and his family were escorted to Hope Presbyterian Church by Memphis Police. Once inside people held tight to one another, mourning a life gone too soon. The love and respect they had for Officer Smith was obvious to those who witnessed it. So many filed into the room; his classmates, family, friends, the people he served, and even law enforcement agencies from across the Mid-South. Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Firefighter, Paramedics, Southaven Police- all were there along with so many others. It was an emotional time for many. For those outside, the tributes were no less moving. Miniature flags lined the streets, and in front of the church itself, was a beautiful American flag draped between two fire trucks. A tribute to Officer Smith from Memphis Fire. The visitation was followed by the MPD’s Sea of Blue, another tribute to the man who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officer Smith touched so many lives not only in MPD but in the community as well. He mentored children and gave back whenever he could to the city he served. On Monday, Pastor Deandre Brown said the 18-year veteran of the police force was always out in the community, fostering relationships and working with multiple groups like Facing Our Future and Playback. “He performed his duties as though it was mission driven that meant he would go the extra mile. He wouldn’t just do what was asked. He would do more.” He was truly a role model.