Former Clearwater mountie Mike Savage has received the Order of Merit, one of the most prestigious distinctions an employee of a police agency can get.
Governor General David Johnston presented him with the medal in Ottawa on Friday morning.
Savage came to the Clearwater RCMP detachment from Saskatchewan as a constable in 1991. He left in 1999 but returned as a corporal in 2005 and left again in 2008. He is presently a staff sergeant with the Kamloops detachment.
After 34 years with the RCMP, he recently announced his retirement.
The staff sergeant's dedication and tenacity has been evident throughout his career. He has received various acknowledgements since 1981 for his investigations, leadership, community partnerships, volunteer firefighting, and work with emergency operations.
In addition to the RCMP, Savage has been a member of Clearwater and District Highway Rescue plus Blackpool Volunteer Fire Department from 1994 to 1999 and from 2005 to the present day.
Savage plans to retire in the North Thompson with his wife Terry and to spend a lot more time with his grandchildren.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created in 2000. It recognizes the leadership, exceptional service and commitment to Canada that the recipients have demonstrated throughout their career.
Savage was one of 49 police members to receive the medal during Friday's ceremony at Rideau Hall.