Out of tragedy came an opportunity for the Greeley West community to honor those who served. Yesterday, Greeley West held a flagpole dedication to memorialize Police Officer Roy Smith who passed away before the start of the school year. 

Smith’s son is senior pitcher Cooper Smith.  Throughout his Cooper’s playing career, his father had never missed one of his games. 

Smith stated that he hasn’t felt at his best this season, still dealing with the loss of his dad. “It bothers me he isn’t here to watch me. I think I haven’t been as good this year as I would have expected and it messes with my confidence,” Smith said. 

As the need for a flagpole for the athletic facilities became apparent, Principal Jeff Cranson, Athletic Director JJ Behrens, and head coach Jim Jorgensen all agreed to honor Roy Smith with the flag pole. “It’s nice and good that they want to do it,” Smith said.  “I haven’t been here very long, but it shows the respect everyone has for him,” Smith said. 

Jorgensen helped set the dedication up because of his belief of the importance the ceremony brought to the school and family. “Roy Smith was a Greeley Police officer that knew the importance of the flag and what it represents. He and I sat down and talked about how we didn’t have a flag outside by the athletic fields at West and he told me he wanted to donate a pole and flag so our athletes could pay respect before games,” Jorgensen stated.

With the flagpole installed, Joregensen hopes its honored by the community for years to come.  He explained that Officer Smith was respected by the community.  “As long as I am the coach at Greeley West, I will tell every team we have at the beginning of the season the story of Roy Smith. He will be in the hearts of Greeley West baseball forever,” Jorgensen said.

The Greeley Police Department was also on hand for the ceremony and dedication, participating with their color guard.