Hockinson couple are ‘Good Neighbors’

Hockinson — A Hockinson couple were honored with Clark County Fire District 3’s Sylvia Kiive Good Neighbor Award for a donation that helped buy a special airbag rescue system. Kari and Mike Smith were presented with the award by Chief Steve Wrightson at a Dec. 14 ceremony. The couple, regular fire department supporters, made a donation that let the district purchase a second airbag rescue system. The system inflates large bags with air, capable of lifting or pushing up to 22 tons. The airbags can be used to rescue people from under large vehicles, or in the case of a recent incident in Portland, make room for a woman to escape from being stuck between two walls. Also at the December ceremony, Assistant Chief Donavon Mattern was given the 35 Years of Service Award.