Stephen Michael “Steve” Smith was born in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, on December 9, 1974, to Bill and Judy Smith. Steve was raised in Kansas and Wyoming, graduating from Evanston High School in Wyoming. He graduated from Western Wyoming Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in auto mechanics. While attending Western Wyoming, he made the dean’s list by maintaining a grade point average higher than 3.75 and was the only student taking the course to receive a 100% in engine rebuilding.

While attending high school, Steve met the love of his life, and they married after he graduated from college.

Steve served for 23 years with the West Douglas Fire Protection District. He held several different positions in the department, including assistant chief, chief, and fire marshal. He completed training for both fire inspector and emergency medical technician certifications and was an active EMT for the department. He was honored at different times during his service as Firefighter of the Year and Officer of the Year.

Steve never aspired to become a firefighter like many who answer the call do. He felt it took a special type of person to serve in that capacity. After Steve and his wife moved to Colorado, he became good friends with the fire chief, who convinced him to give firefighting a shot. After fighting his first major fire there was no turning back; it was in his blood. Steve was in a major car accident when he was younger and said, “You just want someone, anyone, to come and help.” He prided himself on being that person.

With Steve’s mechanical expertise and background, he became the department’s go-to guy to help with the specs with new equipment, ensuring equipment would run and be operated properly. He had a special ability to get the best out of the equipment.

Steve was able to serve on the fire department with his son, who became a junior member just a month before Steve’s passing.

In addition to his service to the fire department, he also served on the town water board and the safety and security ministry for his home church.

Steve would never turn away from the opportunity to help others. He was many people’s go-to person when they needed help.

Now he has been called home and leaves behind two beautiful kids and a wife of 25 years, along with all the people he has touched, who have been there for his family. The full circle of love can be seen from family, friends, and all those that support us who are now considered family.