[Calpernia]

One by one, various federal and state agencies handed former hostage Ashley Smith reward checks for her heroism and bravery that ended the hunt for a fugitive wanted in four separate murders.

During a ceremony inside the state Capitol Thursday, law enforcement officials along with Gov. Sonny Perdue praised Smith, 26, for her actions after being taken hostage by courthouse shooting suspect Brian Nichols on March 12.

"We never counted on Ashley Smith. We never took that into consideration but, Ashley, with your calm demeanor and handling of the situation, with your cool headed reasoning, you were able to overcome a very serious situation," U.S. Marshal Richard Mecum said while handing Smith a $25,000 check.

[blackie]

Good stuff ~ she deserves everything she gets!

Great Chick ~ Bump!

[JLO]

Bump!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!