URBANDALE, Iowa —Monte Halferty loves his community and the outdoors so much he spends his spare time keeping Urbandale’s trails clean.

“I just thought, 'What could I do to give back a little bit?' And so I just thought I’d start cleaning as I go and it just sort of built from there,” Halferty said.

His dedication to the city hasn't gone unnoticed.

The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Recreation and the Police Department surprised Halferty Wednesday afternoon by naming him Urbandale Citizen of the Year.

"So many times when I drive past Douglas, whether it's in the rain, the sun or hot or cold, he's out picking up trash along Douglas in his wheelchair,” Mayor Bob Andeweg said. “He gives back so much more than so many folks."

"He's taken it upon himself to keep our trails clean, and he engages in the community with all of our citizens,” Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tiffany Menke said.

Only Halferty would accept an award like this as a challenge.

“It’s a huge honor for me before anything else,” Halferty said. “I feel I only do just a little bit when I’m out and about and I never expected anything like this, it’s wonderful. I hope I’ll be able to give back more next year.”

Halferty will be honored again as Urbandale Citizen of the Year at the Chamber's Celebration of Business Dinner on Jan. 29.