The streets of Garner, North Carolina, were filled with the rumbling of engines and the quiet solidarity of a grateful community on a recent Sunday morning, all gathered to pay tribute to a man who truly exemplified the meaning of a public servant: WakeMed Officer Roger Smith.
In a powerful and poignant display of respect, hundreds of community members, first responders, and motorcycle enthusiasts participated in an honor ride for Officer Smith, a veteran officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty a few weeks prior. The event, organized by the non-profit group Operation Fly Our Flag, served as a final, collective salute to a hero and a vital fundraiser for his loved ones.
The loss of Officer Smith sent shockwaves through the local area. He was shot and killed on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex Emergency Department, where a struggle with a suspect led to the fatal incident. Authorities were quick to praise the 59-year-old officer’s courageous actions, stating that his engagement with the gunman likely prevented further loss of life within the hospital’s emergency lobby.
But his story of service extends far beyond that single, heroic moment. Officer Smith was a man deeply committed to protecting his neighbors for nearly three decades. He spent 16 years with the Knightdale Police Department before joining the WakeMed Campus Police and Public Safety Department for 14 years. As if that wasn’t enough, he also volunteered as a firefighter with the Garner Fire Department for two decades, truly embodying the spirit of community safety.
The outpouring of grief and respect since the incident has been immense. Hundreds of first responders, including officers who traveled from as far as New York City and Dallas, attended his funeral. The Carolina Hurricanes hockey team even hosted his family for a game to honor the fallen officer, who was a big fan.
The November 30th honor ride was the community’s way of ensuring the support continues long after the headlines fade. Starting late Sunday morning, the procession of cars, trucks, and motorcycles wound through the area Officer Smith spent his life protecting. Participants showed their support by purchasing memorial ride stickers for a minimum $20 donation for their vehicles. Every single dollar raised from the sales and other donations went directly to Officer Smith’s family.
Officer Smith is survived by his mother, brother, long-time partner, two daughters, and a granddaughter. His loss is an immeasurable void not just for his family, but for the countless lives he touched and protected across Wake County. The funds raised will assist the family with immediate needs, including the ongoing care for his mother, whom he had been devotedly caring for in recent years.
The emotional ride was a testament to the character of a man described by his colleagues as a “gentle giant,” whose compassion was as legendary as his dedication. The people of Garner and the broader community haven’t just mourned a lost officer; they have celebrated the profound life and ultimate sacrifice of Roger Smith, a true hero who paid the ultimate price to keep others safe.