By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-814446.mp3
Dallas, TX – A fallen Dallas Police Officer was laid to rest today. Several thousand came to pay respects to the gang unit officer described as "larger than life."
Several thousand came to the Potter's House to say goodbye to Dallas Police Senior Corporal Norman Smith. The 43-year-old gang unit member was killed in the line of duty Tuesday night as he tried to serve an arrest warrant at an East Oak Cliff apartment complex. His friend, Wayne White, had the crowd laughing when he talked about Smith's prowess at the domino table.
White: And I thought I was the best domino player in the world. A week ago, in front of all my friends, Norm beat me four games in a row.
White says Norm and his wife, Dallas Police Lt. Regina Smith, were there for him during some very troubled times in his life, and he offered this prayer.
White: Greater gift can no one do, Father you said, than to lay down his life for his friends. And he laid it down for us, God.
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle told those gathered that Norman Smith had the heart of a warrior but a grace and dignity that set him apart on the streets.
Kunkle: When I got that terrible phone call Tuesday night that Norm had been shot, my first reaction was it can't be true because Norm's invincible. Norm was a bigger than life force on the streets. And for all of those who worked around him, our hearts are broken.
Dallas Police Senior Corporal Norman Smith was killed in the line of duty one day before his 18th anniversary on the Force.