After serving the community for over two decades with honor, Officer R. Smith turned in his badge, drawing the curtain on a venerable career that not only safeguarded the citizens of Plano, Texas, but also reflected a commitment to justice woven through years as a dedicated public servant. Outlining his impressive career path, a shadow box was presented to Smith in a ceremony that encapsulated the many achievements marking each step of his 24-year journey, the Plano Texas Police Department shared.
Plano's own, Roger Smith, took to life after high school with a sense of duty that propelled him into the United States Navy; it was there, in the skies and on the seas, that the foundation of his discipline and dedication was laid. An Aviation Electrician, and later a Petty Officer 3rd Class, Smith harvested commendations for his service aboard the USS Bunker Hill during Operation Desert Storm—including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation—his hands tending to the SH60 Seahawks helicopters that soared above troubled waters, he was stationed at North Island, California and became an integral part of the HSL-47 Saberhawks anti-submarine squadron.
Shifting from military to civilian life, Smith's commitment to service saw him attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, followed by a segue into the Texas Department of Corrections; however, his true calling would find him in October 1999 when he joined Plano's ranks. First as an Animal Services Officer, then as a Crime Scene Technician, before finally donning the badge of a Plano Police Officer in June 2002. Through his tenure, Smith also achieved the Master Peace Officer Certificate, the highest honor for Texas Peace Officers.
The commendations Smith received—66 in number—along with three Chief’s Unit Awards, are testimonies to a career marked by reliability and sound judgment, his supervisors said he was a valuable team member who could be counted on to make good decisions these awards recognized a breadth of excellence ranging from everyday diligence to acts surpassing the call of duty. As Officer Smith steps into retirement, the echoes of a storied career linger, serving both as a benchmark for those who will follow and as a steadfast framework for community guardianship. The gratitude for his years of dedicated service was expressed by the Plano Texas Police Department as they wished him well in his future endeavors.
