MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - After nearly 16 years of service, one Meridian Township Firefighter was honored by U.S. veterans and his peers.

"He’s just the guy that you know is going to make a good call when you're on a run together," said Meridian Township firefighter and shift partner, Bob Caretti.

Lt. Ryan Campbell has been working for the Meridian Township Fire Department for just over 15 years and has gone 'above and beyond' according to Meridian Township Fire Battalion Chief Mark Vroman. "He certainly not only met our expectations, but exceeded them."

Campbell was promoted to Lieutenant in May 2015.

"Good officer, good firefighter before he got promoted, great Lieutenant, just an overall good role model," said Caretti.

Chosen by The American Legion in Haslett, Campbell was 'humbled to say the least.'

"My wife and kids were both proud. They definitely wanted to go to the ceremony with me so all four of us headed over to The American Legion," said Campbell.

On top of being a role model to the Meridian Township Firefighters, Campbell has helped to prepare his men in many ways.

"This past year Lt. Campbell built a training prop," said Vroman.

This training, or "bail out" prop is designed to help safely train firefighters. Campbell researched and developed this prop to help prepare his team for anything they may encounter in the field.

"I feel it's my responsibility as a Lieutenant to train our firefighters," said Campbell. "To really give them the training they they may need to get themselves out of trouble."

Working 24 hour shifts, Campbell says being away from his family can be difficult but 'it is worth the reward.'