North Olmsted Police Officer Tony Smerk is being remembered as a remarkable guy, who many said will be deeply missed.
“He had a smile on his face. Never a complaint. Always excited to do his job. What’s next, what’s the day going to bring? You can tell he was genuinely happy to be here,” said North Olmsted Police Captain Angel Walling.
According to a Facebook post from the North Olmsted Police Department, Smerk died Wednesday from a medical emergency.
"Yesterday evening we lost not only one of our guys, but a truly great human. I know, everyone is 'a great guy' when they die but Tony Smerk was truly great," the post stated.
Now, his brothers and sisters in blue are mourning the community's tragic loss.
“We’re just trying to do the best we can day by day,” said Walling.
As a proud husband and dad, dedicated officer, youth pastor at Christ Church and a U.S. Army Combat veteran, Brendan Daniels said the 38-year-old made a difference in many people’s lives, including his life.
“Tony Smerk was a great guy. I deployed with him back in 2010 to 2011: Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan. At that time, he was my team leader,” said Daniels.
Although it’s been some time since Daniels said he last saw Smerk, he still remembers the warmth he said Smerk was known to bring.
Now, Daniels said he’s sad to hear it has come to an end.
“Our heart hurts with this one, and I hope everyone can look and just think about all the times that he made them smile, so that they can continue to move forward,” said Daniels.
While Walling said no amount of money will bring Smerk back, the North Olmsted Police Department is asking for the community’s support to help ease the burden on his wife and four-year-old twin daughters, who have to deal with this loss less than one week before the holiday.
“No time is a good time. But right before Christmas? These little girls. Your heart just breaks. It breaks for his wife and his little girls,” said Walling.
