Roy Edward Smith was born on November 21, 1949. He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) on August 2, 1986, and served his first three years in the quarters of Engine Company 16 before transferring to Engine Company 156.

Firefighter Smith joined the United States Air Force at age 17 and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of United States Air Force (USAF) sergeant. He became the youngest staff sergeant in the USAF when he was promoted to that rank at that time. Roy proudly served in the USAF for four years and was a Vietnam veteran, where he was assigned as an air traffic controller in Phu Bai.

Firefighter Smith died on April 2, 2017, from an illness related to his response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

He is survived by his wife, Olga; daughters, Melanie and Melissa; and grandchildren, Brielle and Blake.