At the Montgomery County Commissioner's Meeting today Rick Whitson and the Commissioners presented Jordan Smith, from the Independence Rural Department, with the Rural Fire Service Award. On April 8th, at about midnight, Jordan and IRFD responded to a structure fire on southern 14th street in Independence. While searching the structure he came across an unconscious female. Firemen Smith carried her out of the house to safety. Chief Whitson and the Commissioners also gave accommodation to two retiring firemen. Dave Bishop gave 42 years of dedicated service to the Dearing Fire Department and Jim Smith protected those in Sycamore and the surrounding area for an amazing 53 years. Congratulations gentlemen, and we sincerely thank you for your service.