News

Robins firefighter smokes AFMC competition

  • Published
  • By Angela Woolen
  • Robins Public Affairs
With two college degrees in horticulture and landscape design, becoming a firefighter doesn't seem like a natural job selection, but that's exactly what Lt. Steven Smith has chosen.

Smith volunteered at a local fire department when he was 18. From there, he went on to become an aircraft sheet metal mechanic. For the past 10 years, six at Robins, Smith has been a fireman.

"I like helping people," Smith said about what keeps him motivated to come to work every day.

All of the hard work he has done has been recognized as he has been selected as the Air Force Materiel Command 2015 Firefighter of the Year. 

Smith has also been awarded, from the Georgia Knights of Columbus, the regional 2015 Firefighter of the Year award as well as the 778th Squadron Category-2 Civilian of the Year out of 73 firefighters.

Smith is a native of Fort Valley and graduated from Peach County High School in 1994.

He volunteers for numerous charities including one for Muscular Dystrophy and buying gifts for underprivileged children at Christmas.

One of his most memorable moments was when his children pinned his EMT badge on him in a ceremony five years ago.

Writing his award package wasn't hard at all, said Javie Blanco, 78th assistant fire chief.

"He's our go-to guy. From his work ethic to his off-duty stuff, he represents us well," Blanco said of Smith's contributions to the department.