Glenn Victor Smith was only 54 years old when he lost his courageous battle with cancer. He will be remembered first and foremost for being a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather to his family.

To everyone else that was fortunate enough to have known Glenn personally or worked around him, he was many things. He was a fixed wing pilot and a helicopter pilot who eventually became the Chief Pilot for the L.A.F.D. He was a flight Instructor, a firefighter/paramedic, a mentor, and a friend. Glenn had also recently become an “Elder” within the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness church that he attended.

He was a man of great principle who “practiced what he preached.” He always cared for others. He was the one child of his many brothers and sisters that ensured that his own mother was always well taken care of and provided for in life.

Glenn Victor Smith was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana on October 29, 1956. He was the youngest of five boys in his family, and number 12 in a line of 17 children. In the Mid-1960’s, as a young boy, he moved to Los Angeles and grew up in the area just south of the central city. He attended Los Angeles High School where he played the trumpet in the school marching band. In 1975, he married Marva Lajoy, his bride for life. Glenn and Marva had two children, Steven and Robyn. To Steven’s children, Glenn was known simply and lovingly as “Paw Paw.”

In 1978, Glenn was appointed to the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He was a quick study and soon became a skilled firefighter and a paramedic. He ultimately decided to become a Helicopter Pilot for the Department. Over the course of many years of intense training, study programs and promotions, Glenn Smith ultimately became the Chief Pilot for the L.A.F.D. He became the Pilot that supervised all of the other Pilots.

Glenn Victor Smith was the “quintessential” employee and co-worker. He always put the citizens of L.A. and his fellow workers before himself. He was a consummate professional, and a quiet, kind, and brave man. This bravery is reflected in the fact that he was a two time “Medal of Valor” recipient for his heroic efforts while on duty.

Glenn Smith was a great man and an asset to the citizens of Los Angeles and to the Fire Department. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.