Inuvik (Oct 25/04) - Duane Debastien was recently recognized for his ongoing dedication to the community over his many years as a firefighter.

This year's recipient of the NWT Fire Service Merit Award is a four-year veteran of the Inuvik Fire Department and has spent 25 years working as a firefighter in other Beaufort-Delta communities.

"It feels good to receive this award. I love being a firefighter," DeBastien said.

"It is all his contributions for the year," said Claude Gervais, Beaufort Delta assistant fire marshall.

"He's always one of the first guys in and the last ones to leave after a fire.