‘His Impact was amazing:’ Lubbock community remembers Slaton ISD officer at balloon release

LUBBOCK, Texas — The community held a balloon release in honor of Officer Dave Smith , who passed away unexpectedly Wednesday night.

The balloon release was organized by five girls who are regulars at the APEX center, where Smith was a security guard on the weekends. When they heard about what happened, they wanted to support his family.

“Just to show love to his family and because he was a really big part of this community,” said Azilee Ornelas, one of the girls.

Chloe Vargas, the concession manager with the APEX Center, said she and the staff loved working with Smith, who “lightened up everyone’s day.”

Vargas said Smith was involved with all the kids that played and worked there and did everything to keep them safe.

“Most of us are either in college or high school or on our way to college, and he asked us what our plans are, and what’s our future like, he was always very supportive and even gave us any advice that we could take from him,” Vargas said. “I took a lot from him just knowing that I had to be confident in what I was doing or what I was working with, and he was always so supportive.”

The balloon release began with one of Smith’s sons addressing everyone, thanking them for coming out, saying a prayer and sharing stories of Smith and who he was.

Blue and black balloons were released to end the night.

A meal train was set up for the family and can be found here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com.