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Cory was born and raised in St. Paul, NE.  Shortly after graduating from St. Paul High school, Cory enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years as a fire protection specialist.  In the USAF, Cory gained the foundation needed to continue his career in the fire service.
After his discharge from the military, Cory returned home and was hired by the Grand Island Fire Department in 1996.  Cory progressed through the ranks and was promoted to Fire Chief in 2012.  Cory is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's (NFA)  Executive Fire Officer Program, winner of  NFA's outstanding research award , and completed the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program. Cory has earned an Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, Bachelor degree in Business Administration/Management, and a Master of Business Administration.  
Cory and his wife Wendy enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors.      
Chief Schmidt's favorite quote is  "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." -Ralph Waldo Emerson-