High River Fire Chief Len Zebedee is a rare breed.

Not many of us want to work in the same job for 40 years, but Zebedee was rewarded for that service over the weekend as he was whisked out to Vancouver to receive the Governor Generals Award for Exemplary Service for his long career.

The story took on a life of it's own on social media over the weekend, with lot's of positive comments from High Riverites saluting a man many consider a hero.

"You know I really appreciate all the comments that have come through Facebook and online. It's been phenomenal! I didn't realize I touched that many people out there."

Zebedee, who's been chief for 20 of his 40 years as a firefighter, says it was great to get the award, which he says is one of the proudest moments of his career.

The award is essentially a ribbon and goes with a medal that Zebedee already has and goes on his dress uniform. He's one of just a handful of fire fighters to ever receive this award. Photo - Russell Skeet.