Dennis Smith seeks County Coroner post

Dennis Smith seeks County Coroner post

‘ I will strive to improve the response times to scenes. I vow to treat those in need as if they were a member of my own family.’

When voters head to the polls this election season, Dennis Smith is hoping they will consider him as their choice for County Coroner.

“My name is Dennis Smith. I'm 52 years of age and proud to be your candidate for the 2018 Crittenden County Coroner position,” said Smith. “I've resided here in Crittenden County since 1981. I'm married to my wonderful wife Selena of 31 years. We have two children, Ben and Sara, both of whom are also local public servants within the fire service and ambulance community.”

Smith offered voters a look into his background.

“I've spent my entire adulthood proudly serving our country and our community.

My life journey of service began when I joined the United States Marine Corps just two days after my West Memphis High School graduation at the age of 18. After returning to the area I joined the Marion Volunteer Fire Department and then later went on to become a police officer for the City of Marion. I spent 20 years as a public servant for the citizens of Marion during which time I obtained certifications in areas such as State Law Enforcement Instructor, Certified Criminal Investigator, Drug Recognition Expert through the DEA just to name a few. Smith is proud of the relationships, personal and professional, he has built in this community.

“Over the years, I've been lucky to have met and become friends with so many of the local citizens. It makes me feel good to know that wherever I travel in the area, someone is always calling me by name. I have a very close and trusted working relationship with members of the State, County and City Law Enforcement Community as well as the area Fire Departments, Ambulance Services and members of the Crittenden County Search and Rescue. It was not until my career began with Roller Funeral Homes that I realized ‘help’ through “serving” is not always enough. I now genuinely feel a personal connection to each and every family I have the honor to serve and it is a privilege for me to do so. One needs to couple the ability to remain totally unbiased to each situation but yet be able to connect through compassion, professionalism and wisdom with each individual case.

Smith explained his plans for serving the county.

“Even though in Arkansas it is not the job of the coroner to investigate crimes, I think the coroner should have a close working relationship with local officials and also be able to gather information which will provide added support for those officials. I feel I have the knowledge and experience to conduct, gather and provide that added ability through both my training over the past 20 years plus of on scene experience. I will strive to improve the response times to scenes. I vow to treat those in need as if they were a member of my own family. In closing, it matters to me not what background a person comes. From one's social status, economic, ethical, or other, to me all families deserve the same respect and dignity. Each case I work will be given the same attention to detail coupled with compassion which all people deserve.”

“Thank you for your support,” said Smith, “and I would appreciate your vote.”