Chief Smith is a graduate of the National Fire Academy as well as the University of Redlands.

WHITEHOUSE: Michael smith | The White House

The outdoor service took place on the site of the National Fallen Firefighters monument at the National Fire Academy.

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The Waldo Canyon Fire captured attention because of its proximity to landmarks such as Pikes Peak and the Air Force Academy, and also to Colorado Springs, a city of about 400, 000, the state's second largest.

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