Police Officer Robert F. Smith P-634
(1943-2023)

 

Bob was born February 3, 1943, to Charles R. and Trilda (Jeffers) Smith. He graduated from Robert A. Taft High School in 1962 and attended the University of Cincinnati until 1963, majoring in Industrial Management.

While attending college, he worked at Mason Supply Company from November 1963 to March 1964. He then worked from April 1964 at Langhorst Hardware until February 1965. In March 1965 he took a position as timekeeper at Cincinnati Tool Company for a month. He was then hired as a Facilities Clerk at the Cincinnati and Suburban Telephone Company until November 1967.

Bob also played drums for area bands from the 1960s through 1980s and for the “doo-wop group” The Casinos, including in the recording of their Gold Record hit of 1967, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye.

Bob joined the Cincinnati Police Division on November 19, 1967 in the Division’s 49^th Recruit Class. He was promoted to Patrolman on February 28, 1968, issued Badge 634, and assigned to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive). Three years later, on January 3, 1971, Patrolman Smith was assigned to the Traffic Section. A year later, on January 2, 1972, he transferred to the Alcohol Safety Action Project (ASAP). Patrolman Smith returned to the Traffic Section in May of that year. On January 7, 1973, he transferred to District 3 (3201 Warsaw Avenue). A month later, he was transferred back to the Traffic Section. On December 5, 1976, Police Officer transferred to the Property Room. On June 1, 1980, he transferred to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue). Once more, on November 29, 1981, Officer Smith transferred to the Traffic Section and stayed there for the rest of his career. Officer Smith retired on February 27, 1993, with 25 years of service and 32 letters of appreciation and/or commendation, including from Judge Timothy Hogan and Hamilton County Prosecutor Simon Leis.

He then took positions in security and medical supply and lab delivery.

Officer Smith was suffering from cancer when he was admitted to hospice care near the end of November 2023. He died on December 6, 2023 at the age of 80.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Arlington Memorial Gardens at 2155 Compton Road in Springfield Township. Upon entering the cemetery, follow the blue line to the funeral home.  An FOP service will be held at 11:45 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. Interment will be at 1 p.m.

 

© 2023 – All rights reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum