At the annual rescue banquet on July 26, James Smith of Columbus, and volunteer for the Polk County Rescue Squad, was chosen as the Rescue Person of the Year for 2015 by his peers. James is always the “count on” person for all rescue calls whether as an ambulance crewmember, or in searching for a missing person or after an automobile accident. James is a certified Emergency Medical Technician as well as having expertise in all aspects of rescue including diving, high angle rescue and vehicle extraction. He works for the town of Columbus as public works director. Smith is pictured receiving the award from Robbie Price, Rescue Squad captain. (Submitted by Bob Edwards)