The Pedal for Hope team and Cops for Cancer staff remember and honour retired and dedicated OPP Sgt. Gerry Smith, affectionately known as 'Smitty'. Gerry passed away suddenly at Campbellford Memorial Hospital on Friday, April 5th, 2024, in his 63rd year.

Gerry was very passionate about serving his community and was a dedicated Sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police. From the late 90’s Gerry was a coordinator for the Ontario Provincial Police Community Policing Program, and in 2006 he became involved with Pedal for Hope. Prior to joining the Pedal for Hope cycling team, he was a dedicated participant in Cops for Cancer events throughout the communities he served.

After joining Pedal for Hope as a guest rider in 2006, he grew even more passionate about the mission and joined the team as a permanent Pedal for Hope rider in 2007. Gerry played an integral part in the foundation and the success of the program, always wearing his heart on his sleeve. Showing compassion for children undergoing a cancer journey came naturally to Gerry. He always kept the children and their cancer diagnosis top of mind when cycling on tour. Gerry was often seen wearing a set of bravery beads to demonstrate to the students just how much kids living with cancer endure. Each bead representing a defining moment in their cancer journey. Showing compassion for the children he rode for during the cycling tour and beyond is a legacy he will be remembered by. Gerry connected with the cause and was always willing to go the extra mile. ‘Smitty’ would shave his head every year of the tour to stand in solidarity with the Cops for Cancer, Pedal for Hope event.

With other dedicated riders by his side, he was part of the Pedal for Hope team that was recognized in the House of Commons and met the Honourable Stephen Harper. Gerry was apart of the PFH team when they set the Guinness World Record for the most simultaneous head shaves at one time as well. He Received commendations from OPP, RCMP and the Peterborough Police Service for PFHs work in the communities the cycling team served.

When Gerry retired in 2017, he stepped down from his role on the Pedal for Hope team but Pedal for Hope never left his heart. Gerry was a champion for the kids, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends, family, and community. In his honour and at the appreciation of his family, donations can be made to the Pedal for Hope team in Sgt. Gerry Smith name.

Sending our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and policing community.