Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Stephen Michael Smith

Fire Marshal

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, Fire Marshal Stephen Smith responded to the scene of a residence after a 9-1-1 call reported an electrical box had blown off of the house. After the crew confirmed there were no injuries and no fire had occurred, the electrical utility company was notified to respond. Fire Marshal Smith returned to the station and went home. Minutes later, firefighters were dispatched to a medical emergency where they found Fire Marshal Smith unconscious in his car. Life-saving efforts were performed and he was rushed to Castle Rock Hospital but could not be revived. He passed away from an apparent heart attack.

photo of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Stephen Michael Smith was honored on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland and was included in the USFA’s annual report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.

Department information

West Douglas County Fire Protection District
4037 Platte AVE
Sedalia, Colorado 80135

Chief: Terry Thompson

Age: 47
Rank: Fire Marshal
Classification: Volunteer
Incident date: April 23, 2022 5:53 p.m.
Date of death: May 23, 2022
Cause of fatal injury: Stress/Overexertion
Nature of fatal injury: Heart Attack
Activity type: Other
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Fire
Fixed property use: Residential

Last updated: August 14, 2023