MEXICO — Cody Smith likes people.
It shows in his work at the Victorian Villa Rehabilitation and Living Center in Canton, and as a junior firefighter with the Andover and Rumford fire departments.
Smith, 17, of Andover was recognized by WCSH 6 Teens Who Care program. He received a $2,000 scholarship along with the honor.
“It kind of shocked me. Seems like other people have done more than me,” he said.
Smith is a senior at Telstar Regional High School in Bethel and fire science student at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology. He plans to attend Southern Maine Community College in South Portland after he graduates in June to study fire science and train as a paramedic. His goal is to become a Boston firefighter.
But for now, he brings lots of smiles and greetings to the residents of Victorian Villa, and often helps out at Calvary Bible Church in Andover with the ABC Club, which is geared to elementary-school-aged children.
He started volunteering at Victorian Villa two years ago, so when a part-time job came up last year, he was hired. Now, he works about 20 hours a week busing tables, washing dishes, and helping out where needed. He also comes in early or stays late to visit with the residents, help out with bingo and other activities, or fix something that isn’t working.
“It makes me feel good and gives purpose to life. I like making people happy,” he said.
His days as a junior firefighter will end Dec. 23 when he turns 18. Then, he’ll be a full-fledged part of the Andover Fire Department and a call force member of the Rumford Fire Department.
He has already completed the Fire Science I and Fire Science II programs at Region 9, and is learning other aspects of firefighting.
His fire science instructor, Jon Longley, said Smith is an asset to the program. “He has such dedication and enthusiasm,” he said.
At Telstar High School last week, he was honored at an assembly. And when he attended a Christmas party at Victorian Villa, he said at least five people stopped him to ask if he was the one on WCSH 6 TV.
“I was surprised I could fit in my truck because my head was so big,” he said.
Victorian Villa food service director Theresa Arsenault nominated Smith for Teens Who Care. A reporter from the television station interviewed him. The segment is still running and can be found at www.wcsh6.com, click community, and scroll down to Teens Who Care.
Smith is the son of Penny Peare of Rumford and Wally Smith of Andover.
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- Cody Smith, 17, of Andover was honored as a Teen Who Cares by WCSH 6 television. The fire science student at Vocational Region 9 in Mexico and senior at Telstar Regional High School in Bethel shows some of the gear in the fire science classroom.
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