Williams Lake, B.C. – A Williams Lake man has been recognized for his countless hours of volunteer work.

The provincial government has announced Dave Dickson will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship at a ceremony May 24 at Williams Lake City Hall.

The Medal of Good Citizenship was launched last year to recognize individuals who, through exceptional long-term volunteer efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.

Dickson’s impressive record of service includes many hours volunteering with the Williams Lake Community Policing Unit, Canadian Red Cross, Williams Lake Rotary Club, Northern BC Mobile Support Team with the Provincial Emergency Program, the local emergency support services team and the Canadian Cancer Society.

In addition, he helped establish the Mounted Citizens on Patrol program which sees local citizens ride horseback to patrol areas that are difficult to observe; the Wandering program for those at risk of going missing; and the Positive Ticketing Program which rewards children for being positive citizens.

Dickson has also been a member of the Cops for Cancer Tour de North team for many years, is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and has been involved in a number of international projects.

“Oh, I don’t think there’s a more deserving person in Williams Lake,” says Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “You know he’s been here for years and he’s certainly an upstanding citizen in our community.”

Dickson says he was “humbled” by the news.

“It’s not about me, I get to work with wonderful people in our community. Williams Lake is a wonderful place filled with many, many fabulous people that I get to rub shoulders with everyday and they’re really the ones that should get the credit.”