The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce has named Keith Taylor as its Citizen of the Year.

As the president of the Friends of the Morro Bay Fire Department since its inception in 2004, Taylor, 69, spearheaded efforts to build Morro Bay’s new firehouse. The eight-year effort reached a successful conclusion on Dec. 8 when the new fire station was dedicated.

“I went to every City Council meeting and spoke about the fire hall,” he said. “I’m sure they were sick of hearing from me.”

He stepped down as president of the organization at the first of the year, but remains on its board of directors. He’s lived in Morro Bay for 15 years, and retired in 2002 from a career as a machinist.

In addition to his work with the Friends of the Morro Bay Fire Department, Taylor volunteers for the annual car show and other community events.

“It’s a great little town,” he said. “All the people here are very kind and supportive. I understand that we have problems with the sewer, but at the end of the day, people are there to help if you need it.”