Editorís note: Each month, the NFH will ask a Falcon, Peyton or Black Forest firefighter for a safety tip, along with providing a brief background on each firefighter.The newly appointed battalion chief, David Smith, has been with the Falcon Fire Protection District 15 years. He said the promotion to battalion chief has been the highlight of his career.Before becoming a firefighter, Smith spent three years in the U.S. Navy and worked at a health food store. He said he credits his father’s experience in MEDEVAC flights in Vietnam as the reason he became a firefighter. Smith said he came up through the ranks from a driver/firefighter to lieutenant to captain and now to battalion chief. Smith said he likes working with his crew, and he likes being connected with the public.He talked about the growth of the department during his 15 years. The department has gone from one to three manned fire stations, with a significant increase in personnel and apparatus.Smith said he likes to spend his off-duty time fishing and encouraging his two daughters with their jujitsu. Smith’s fire safety tip: Make sure any appliance not in use is unplugged; remember to change the batteries in the smoke detectors in the spring and fall, with daylight savings time.
