By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Kim Clements ties a blue ribbon around a tree while her grandson Taze Owens (right) ties a ribbon on a light pole on Groveport’s Main Street in remembrance of Columbus Police Officer Steven Michael Smith, who was killed in the line of duty. More than 30 volunteers tied blue ribbons to trees and streetlight poles all along Main Street on April 15 in memory of Smith, who grew up in Groveport and was a 1980 graduate of Groveport Madison High School.
Blue ribbons tied to trees and streetlight poles along the length of Groveport’s Main Street fluttered softly in the breeze in April in remembrance of Columbus Police Officer Steven Michael Smith.
Smith, 54, died on April 12 of a gunshot wound he received in the line of duty when on April 10 he and his SWAT team attempted to serve a warrant to a man who had barricaded himself inside a Clintonville home. The man is accused of opening fire with one of his shots hitting Smith.
Smith, a 27 year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, grew up in Groveport and graduated from Groveport Madison High School in 1980. Groveport residents honored Smith’s memory as more than 30 volunteers turned out on April 15 to tie blue ribbons to trees and streetlight posts along Groveport’s Main Street.
“He was so kind and he was everybody’s friend,” said Groveport resident Cindy Raver of Smith.
Raver said Smith came from a family with a background of community service.
“Back in the days of the old firehouse on College Street, his father, Clyde Smith, was the chief radio dispatcher for Groveport Fire, Police and Madison Township Police departments.”
Groveport Police Officer Ernie Bell said Smith’s passing impacts all police officers.
“When an officer is killed it affects all of us,” said Bell. “It makes us think about things and reflect. It makes us a little more cautious. Every police officer, all of us, feel the loss.”
Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp said the blue ribbon memorial to Smith is indicative of the caring nature of Groveport citizens.
“Groveport always rallies around and remembers one of its own,” said Westcamp.
Smith’s sister, Patty Andersen, said her brother is, “Our family hero. We love him dearly.”
Andersen said Smith was interested in doing many things.
“He could do anything,” Andersen said. “Not many other SWAT officers had all of the training he had, such as being on the dive team.”
Andersen said Smith enjoyed police work.
“The SWAT team is a brotherhood,” she said. “Those guys want to make a difference. They want to get the bad guy.”
According to Smith’s family, in addition to being an exemplary police officer, he was a wonderful husband, father and friend who was happiest when taking care of others. His caring nature is also illustrated by the fact he was an organ and tissue donor, which helped give life to others.
Andersen said Smith was a man who was full of life who also enjoyed the outdoors and that he loved visiting Alaska.
“He was a good guy,” said Andersen.
Smith is survived by his wife, Lisa, daughter, Brittany Smith and son, Jesse Smith, as well as many other family members and friends.
Thx so much for the article on Steve Smith. What a true Hero!
Out of respect & condolences, I have a blue ribbon tied to my tree in my front yard. RIP HERO SMITH.