OTTAWA — Merrill Smith is Ottawa’s Firefighter of the Year. The Ottawa post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars honored him at the main fire station Tuesday. Smith is a driver engineer and an emergency medical technician. The VFW selected Smith from among nominations and his honor is deserving, said Fire Chief Jeff Carner. Smith is also a volunteer for the Lincoln-Ottawa-Harrison Rural Fire Department. Smith said he was surprised to win the honor. He said he just tries to show up every day and do his best.
Wednesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m.
