LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Colleagues remember Sgt. Christian Smith as a "big helper." 

Members of the Anchorage/Middletown Fire Department are grieving the loss of one of their own. Smith, 35, died Monday, July 29 in a drowning incident in Barren River Lake near Glasgow, Kentucky. 

“Christian was a dedicated husband," Executive Assistant Chief Kevin Tyler said. "He was a dedicated firefighter and just a dedicated person all around." 

Tyler and his colleagues said their No. 1 priority is supporting the Smith family. 

“The first thing the family notices is just how big the fire department family is," said Jordan Yuodis, department spokesperson. "From the moment this tragedy happened, from our chaplains to the chief, to the chief’s staff, from the guys from his crew, they’re together right now." 

Smith joined the Anchorage/Middletown Fire Department in 2014 and became a member of Rescue Company 33 two years ago when it was formed. Capt. Brian Lowry was part of the team that hired Smith.

“Christian was one of those that we picked right off," Lowry said. "He had a real servant heart. He loved to teach and develop and work with his crew."

Lowry described Smith as a "big helper" and someone willing to do what it took without asking for anything in return.

“We wanted to build something special here with independent thinkers, motivated individuals that were willing to put in all the extra time for none of the extra pay,” Lowry added. 

Smith began his career as a volunteer firefighter before going full time.

Visitation services for Smith will be held Friday, Aug. 9 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Ratterman Funeral Home in Middletown, Kentucky. A funeral will take place the following morning at Middletown Christian Church. Smith is survived by his wife and three children.