After graduation from high school,Christopher joined the United States Marine Corps. He was initially assigned to duty in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. From there, his served two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the elite Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team. Following his discharge from the USMC in 2006, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and attained the rank of Sergeant.In 2007, he joined the Dallas Police Department. He was serving in both capacities at the time of his death. 