Walkers, runners race to honor late officer

By Amelia A. Pridemore

At 8 a.m. Saturday, fog in Beckley was thicker than pea soup. Temperatures had not yet reached 60 degrees.

But that did not stop an estimated 100 people from running or walking about 3 — or even 6 — miles to honor a police officer killed in the line of duty.

Early Saturday morning, 10K runners and 5K runners/walkers took off at the Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA’s youth sports complex for the third annual Chuck Smith Memorial Race. Proceeds will go toward scholarships that will allow children from low-income families to participate in YMCA programs.

Smith, a Beckley Police narcotics detective, was killed in the line of duty Aug. 29, 2006.

Jason Reger, senior program director for the YMCA and race organizer, said funds raised Saturday will provide 20 or more scholarships.

“Here at this complex, you’ll see kids involved in so much — sports, soccer, playing on the playgrounds, walking the trails or having a picnic with their parents,” he said. “Out here, you can do so much. We want to thank those who came out to help us raise money. There’s so much to look forward to as this continues to grow and grow.”

Numerous police officers — local, state and federal — and court officials arrived at the race, showing support for their late comrade.

FBI Special Agent Mike Yansick worked with Smith, and he was in the race for a third year.

“This is a way to remember Chuckie and show respect for the sacrifice he made,” Yansick said. “There was always a smile on his face, and he could find humor in anything.

“It seems like it’s the same as 9/11. You remember where you were when you heard the news that Chuckie was killed.”

Yansick noted the race was also a good opportunity to spend time with his wife and children and help raise money for a cause he supported.

Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Keller, who prosecuted Smith’s killer, said she was impressed when she learned about Smith’s strong dedication to his job and how much his fellow officers respected him. She believed the race was a way people could show their appreciation for both him and all other officers — who rarely receive thanks.

“For most of us, this is the very least we can do,” she said. “Law enforcement officers are the ones who run in when the rest of us run away.

“... I don’t think most of the public knows the hours and effort (officers) devote to their work. They’re on-call at all hours of the night — like Chuck. He was on-duty 24/7.”

Lester resident Ashlyn Perkins did not know Smith personally. But through her work as a substitute/homebound teacher for Raleigh County Schools, she has taught other police officers’ children.

“The main reason I did this was because it was a nice fellowship of people,” she said. “It was also really great to cross the finish line with a great friend.”

Beaver resident Lorrie Legursky is Perkins’ regular workout partner, and her son Jon is now a Beckley police officer. Both Legursky and Perkins were first-time 5K runners in the race.

Numerous members of Smith’s family also ran or walked in the race. His mother, Susie Smith, said she was overwhelmed after seeing two weeks of tributes to her son. On Aug. 29, a group of about 50 motorcyclists crossed four counties for the first Chuck Smith Memorial Ride.

“People are still supporting and remembering Chuck,” she said. “This money will help children who could not go to the YMCA otherwise, and my son’s name is attached to such a worthy cause.

“People drove from Virginia, Huntington ... This was early in the morning on a Saturday, and it was foggy. But they all came out to honor Chuck.”

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com