Platoon Chief Michael Kaip with the Weyburn Fire Department has just been recognized for his more than 25 years of service within the community by being presented with the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal.

"It feels phenomenal, it's a great achievement, there hasn't been a lot of them given out since it started in 2003, so it means a lot to me and my family," expressed Kaip.

He said that some of his crew members put his name into the running for the medal and then they followed up with the necessary paperwork and application process to make sure that Kaip would be fully entered.

"It's been an awesome experience working with the Weyburn Fire Rescue," Kaip stated. "I learned a lot from my peers that taught me a lot about the firefighting industry and to be able to serve the community has meant a lot to me. People have really supported me in this decision to move forward with that back in 1995 and it's been ongoing ever since. I've had great support from my family, friends, the Fire Chiefs past and present, and everybody around me."

Kaip expressed that he plans to stick with the Weyburn Fire Department for as long as he possibly can and he said that he loves working with his current crew.

"My favourite part of this job is being able to help people in the community," told Kaip. "Getting people safely out of vehicles and fires for sure. Protecting people from different things like the flood in 2011. Going around and helping people to get out of their homes was incredible. Just helping people to get out of their vehicles safely and then seeing them healthy after the fact is huge. Just helping people and seeing their reactions is amazing. Running into a burning house and saving people's property and lives is huge to me."

Below you can listen to Kaip's advice for up and coming firefighters as well as anyone that may be on the fence about joining.