The Smithville Volunteer Fire Department’s "Highest Attendance Award" went to Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale at the department’s annual banquet Friday night. Fire Chief Charlie Parker presented the award to Hale, a 30-year veteran of the department, for attending the most incidents, training, and activities in 2014, saying, "We are a small department, and it’s hard for us to pick one firefighter of the year because of the dedication shown by all our members. We’ve taken the position that the firefighter who makes the highest attendance of calls, trainings, and other activities will be recognized for their accomplishments.