By Nancy Prater
As a young woman, Kista Smith always wanted to help people and keep them safe. She took that passion and grew up to be a hero in uniform.
After working 26 years with the Birmingham Police Department, she traded in one badge for another. Even during these trying times, she loves her role as a security officer with Alabama Power Company.
Smith fondly remembers her early years in law enforcement. As a 25-year-old, she was surprised by the strenuous physical requirements. Police work is physically demanding, stressful and dangerous. Working around the clock in shifts is common, so the hours can be daunting. The training required a lot of running, weightlifting and working out. She also had to watch her diet.Her first day as a police officer was in the North Precinct (now called Fort Apache) on the day shift. Smith began her career patrolling and responding to calls to protect lives and property. When she started in 1989, she was embraced by other women officers who showed her the ropes.
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