Luke Smith started his full-time firefighter/paramedic career with the Jackson Township Fire Department in 2003 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2014. The Jackson Township Board of Trustees based on the fire chief’s recommendation acknowledged Smith’s many years of service and dedication by unanimously voting at its March 19, 2019 meeting for him to fill the fire department’s vacant captain position.
“One thing we always try to do is hire excellent people and promote exceptional ones, and Jackson Township has one of those in Capt. Smith,” said Jackson Township Fire Chief Randy Little. “Luke is someone who trains people and, most important, makes sure they go home safely. You will not find someone with more integrity or a better work ethic than Luke. We are proud to continue to have him as a part of our fire department’s leadership team.”
Capt. Smith has an associate’s degree in emergency medical services/fire science, and is a swift water rescue and rope rescue technician. He was Jackson Township Firefighter of the Year in 2007, and the 2017 Knights of Columbus Public Service Award recipient. He also completed the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Southwest Community Leadership Program in 2017. Capt. Smith additionally is a member of the Jackson Township Fire Department Honor Guard.
Fire captains are in charge of the fire department’s ladder truck, and training for their unit personnel which includes approving and scheduling all external training classes. Capt. Smith in coordination with two other fire department captains is responsible for developing and implementing in-house training. A fire captain is eligible to serve as acting battalion chief which is a management position that works under the direction of the fire chief with oversight of all daily administrative and operational functions of the fire department.
“I am excited to be in this position of influence for the department,” Capt. Smith said. “Training is my passion, and I believe it is the best way to become a more competent firefighter. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the public and my department in this new role.”
Capt. Smith can be reached at SmithL@jacksontwp.org or (614) 875-5588.
