A lot has changed since before the turn of the century, but one thing that hasn't is the quality work Deputy Fire Chief Peter L'Heureux has put in with the Swift Current Fire Department.

Last night at city council L'Heureux - who is the department's deputy of prevention - was honoured with a 20 Year Federal Government Fire Service Exemplary Award.

After graduating from high school in Swift Current, L'Heureux attending firefighting school in Vermillion, Alta. before becoming a volunteer firefighter in Swift Current in 1997, and going full time in 1998.

Fire Chief Denis Pilon said L'Heureux plays a big part in working with the high school and teachers in the schools on promoting fire-prevention techniques, ensuring new buildings and projects in the community are up to fire code, and getting the fire department out in the community.

"He does a lot of work preparing for the kiddies' day parade and stuff like that - getting our firefighters out there and planning those type of things," said Pilon.

Most of the crowd for last night's council was there to see the long-time firefighter honoured.

Also in firefighting news from last night, council approved Phase II of the designing of a potential new fire hall.