First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christopher Smith, I am 31 years old, I have never been married, and I do not have any children. I was born and raised in Randolph County, a relatively low-populated county in northeast Arkansas. After graduating from Maynard High School (as valedictorian, I might add, haha) in 1994, I went to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR, for one year as a music education major. Because I really wasn't sure that it was the path for me, and because of the rising cost of a college education, I joined the air force in 1995. For four years I was stationed in New Mexico at Cannon Air Force Base and was an aircrew egress systems technician. After the four years, I separated from active duty and moved to Wisconsin, where I joined the reserves and cross-trained into the medical field as a cardiopulmonary laboratory technician. From 2000 to 2006, I lived in the Milwaukee area and worked as a respiratory therapist at various hospitals. I separated from the reserves in 2003, and in April 2006, I moved back to Arkansas to be with my family.

Due to the closing of a factory where I was working, I was able to receive government-paid college education for two years, and was able to choose fire science, which leads me to where I am at today.

I began my classes for an associates degree in fire science in the summer of 2007. My first two classes were just the basics - computer concepts and psychology. In the fall term, I took EMT, Introduction to Emergency Services (firefighting orientation), and Principles of Hydraulics. This Monday I will begin 5 more classes en route to my associates degree.

I am not currently a firefighter, volunteer or full-time, but it is my hope to become a firefighter after I receive my degree. I would hope to stay close to Pocahontas and to my family, however I am willing to move.

Any question from those who read this, please feel free to ask.