RANKIN INLET - A Rankin Inlet volunteer firefighter has become the first Nunavummiut to ever win the Governor General's Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal.

Volunteer firefighter Michael Aksadjuak is congratulated by Senator Willie Adams after receiving the Governor General's Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal this past week in Rankin. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Michael Aksadjuak, 45, accepted the medal from Senator Willie Adams and Community and Government Services Minister Lorne Kusugak during a ceremony in Rankin this past week.

Aksadjuak was also presented with his 25 year Service Award.

Other volunteer firefighters to receive Service Awards during the ceremony were Ambrose Karlik (15 years), Henry Innukshuk (10 years), Samson Amarudjuak (10 years), Michael Tuktu (10 years) and Thomas Tiktak Jr. (six years).

Rankin fire Chief Alan Stebbing was master of ceremonies at the presentation.

He said Aksadjuak worked his way up from firefighter through lieutenant to his present rank, captain, during his 25 years of volunteer firefighting.

"The criteria for the service medal is at least 20 years of exemplary service with fire departments, with at least 10 of those years spent with high risk firefighting activities," said Stebbing.

"Capt. Aksadjuak is very dedicated to the fire department, and is always willing to do whatever is asked of him.

"His winning of this medal should be a source of great pride for our community."

Aksadjuak said he was very nervous before the ceremony, but is filled with pride over winning a national medal.

He said he's just as excited to be a volunteer firefighter today as he was 25 years ago.

"I've wanted to help people in my community when there's an emergency ever since I lost a friend in a fire when I was a little boy," said Aksadjuak.

"I've reached the point where I now help instruct during Level 1 and Level 2 firefighting training and I enjoy that aspect just as much."

Aksadjuak said he always looks forward to learning new techniques and about new equipment as a firefighter.

He said he hopes his success as a volunteer firefighter will help his children realize the importance of a good education.

"I'd like my eight kids to look at my many certificates and want to go to school for a good education so they can earn just as many as I have.

"I know my family is very proud of me and that means everything to me."