Hay River (Feb 28/05) - Mike Mageean thought it was just going to be a night out with some friends from the Kiwanis Club.

Instead, Mageean was in for a big surprise at a Hay River Chamber of Commerce banquet Feb. 25 when he was named Hay River's Citizen of the Year.

His Kiwanian friends were part of a ruse to ensure Mageean attended the banquet.

"It took me completely by surprise," he said, just after being called up to receive the Alfred Mansell Citizen of the Year Award.

Mageean was singled out for recognition for numerous volunteer activities. He has been a volunteer firefighter in Hay River since 1987, and is now a captain with the department.

In addition, he is the community's ambulance co-ordinator, a coroner, an auxiliary RCMP constable and a safety co-ordinator for Hockey North. Along with being a Kiwanian, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

The Montreal-born Mageean also spent time in the Middle East working as a Peacekeeper with the Canadian Armed Forces.

"You will agree that this year's recipient has generously given his time and energies to our community and is an inspiration to us all," said David MacDonald as he announced the name of the Citizen of the Year.

Following the banquet, Mageean explained that his parents had instilled a sense of community service in him at a young age.

"I get a deep satisfaction from helping people, especially people in times of need," he said. Mageean said he is greatly honoured to be named Citizen of the Year, but public recognition is not what drives him to volunteer.

"It never has been my motivating factor. A simple thank you means more to me than these sorts of things."

He has previously received the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his volunteer efforts. Mageean added he "absolutely" recommends volunteering to anyone. "I think everyone should volunteer to make the community better."

The Citizen of the Year also thanked his wife Deborah and his employer, RWED, for supporting his volunteer activities.

"You have to have support from your family and support from your employer," he noted.

"I'm very blessed to have both."