Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Thursday, will recognize seven (7) individuals — including a Crawford County man — during the opening day of the Iowa State Fair, for their unselfish service to their fellow citizens. The Governor’s Lifesaving Awards Ceremony recognizes citizens who helped a friend or neighbor in critical need of assistance, and in turn, became everyday heroes. The awards take place 10:30-a.m. Thursday, at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater on the State Fairgrounds. In attendance will be Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, and DPS Commissioner Roxann Ryan.

There are four categories in which honorees are recognized: lifesaving with valor, lifesaving, meritorious service, and outstanding service. A Meritorius Service Award will be presented to Chad Reynolds, of Vail, for rescuing a disabled woman from her smoke-filled home. On February 3rd, 2018, at approximately 11:30 AM, Dorothy Huff was at her home in Vail. The 74-years  woman is wheel-chair bound, and suffers from dementia and other health issues. Her daughter and granddaughter, who normally reside with her, were not home that morning. Mrs. Huff noticed the room getting darker from thick, black smoke. The fire was in the living room, which is connected to the porch. Dorothy made her way out of the living room and fell out of her wheel chair onto the floor by the front porch. She could not get up or reach the handle on the door. Chad Reynolds, who lived across the street, saw the black smoke coming from the home. He ran over to the residence and entered the residence; immediately locating Mrs. Huff. He carried her to his residence. The Award recognizes Reynolds for unselfish service that ensured Mrs. Huff avoided serious injury.