A local first responder who dedicated his life to public service was remembered Friday after dying from cancer this week.

Monroe Emergency Medical Service Chief Don Smith, who was also the former Fairfield deputy police chief, was instrumental in making what is now the newly renovated Monroe EMS station.

"Don's vision probably 15 years ago was we really need a place of our own to have an identity, to grow, to invest in each other," says Monroe EMS Deputy Chief Craig Rosenberg. "He got to walk these halls. And I would say he lives on in this building for all of us. He was such a part of what we're working out of today."

Smith started his career in public service as a volunteer EMT in Westport before joining Monroe EMS two decades ago. He served as chief for 12 years.

His time there was spent not only helping others in an emergency, but also training the next generation of EMTs.

Capt. Rachel Murphy and Vicki Downs say Smith treated everyone like they were a member of his family.

Smith's devotion to public service also led him to become a police officer. He spent more than 30 years with the Fairfield Police Department before he retired as deputy chief in 2021.

He is described as a dedicated first responder and a family man.

"His passion for family, including his son Sean who's a member here carrying that forward," says Rosenberg.

Smith leaves behind his wife and three children.