The Plano Police Department recently announced Officer Roger Smith retired with over 24 years of dedicated service to the city of Plano and 21 years with the police department.
Raised in Texas, Smith enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school. Assigned as an aviation electrician, he was stationed at North Island, California, and served with the HSL-47 Saberhawk anti-submarine squadron. Throughout his enlistment, Smith served on various ships, including the USS Bunker Hill during Operation Desert Storm.
His time in the service earned him the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Smith specialized in working on electrical systems for the SH60 Seahawk helicopters and achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Following his discharge from the Navy, Smith pursued and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. He then served as a corrections officer with the Texas Department of Corrections from February 1993 to January 1999.
Smith began his career with the city of Plano on Oct. 8, 1999, taking on the role of an animal services officer. In January 2001, he transitioned to a crime scene technician position, and by June 10, 2002, he joined the ranks of the Plano Police Department as a police officer.
On June 27, 2011, Smith achieved the Master Peace Officer Certificate, the highest level of certification for Texas Peace Officers. Throughout his service at the Plano Police Department, Smith garnered 66 commendations and three chief's unit awards. His supervisors consistently praised him as a valuable team member known for making sound decisions.
“Roger, thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the city of Plano and the Plano Police Department,” the police department said in a statement. “We wish you and your family well in all of your future endeavors.”