A familiar face in High River was recognized on Saturday, October 20 by the Government of Canada with a Meritorious Service Medal.

Former High River Fire Chief, Len Zebedee, says the award ceremony held at the RCMP Academy in Regina was highlighted by getting to meet Canada's 29th Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette.

"I think for me meeting the Governor General of Canada was quite an honour and just to be recognized with your peers and the work that you've done made it an excellent experience."

Zebedee says luckily he didn't need to deliver a speech, but he had time to reflect on his lengthy career in High River.

"No speeches, but they tell a little story about us. Mine was demonstrating outstanding leadership and coordinating the emergency response during the 2013 flood. It was 24/7 work for about 60-70 hours straight for us at the department. It kept all our staff really busy and many of our staff at the time were flooded as well, so everybody was affected."

As of last year, Zebedee officially retired from the Fire Hall, but had worked there since October 1974.

Established in 1991, the Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to professional acts and services which benefit their community.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com