The Owatonna Fire Department is proud to announce Paid-On-Call Firefighter Mitch Terpstra as the 2023 Firefighter of the Year. Fire Chief Ed Hoffman selects an individual for this honor with input from staff annually. Terpstra will be recognized at the October 12 Exchange Club of Owatonna’s 2023 Firefighter Recognition Banquet honoring all firefighters who serve Owatonna.
The criteria used to select the award recipient includes performance above and beyond the regular duties of a firefighter, being a genuinely good person, the desire to be a good firefighter, being a good team member and using knowledge and skills in a positive way that improves the department overall.
Mitch joined the Owatonna Fire Department in 2019 as a Paid-On-Call Firefighter. Prior to Owatonna, he was a part of the Villard Fire Department for 4 years as a volunteer firefighter. When Mitch moved back to Owatonna, one of his goals was to get on the Owatonna Fire Department. In 2019, this goal became a reality and Mitch accepted a position with the Owatonna Fire Department. When Mitch is not assisting the fire department, he is a Lawn Care Sales and Operations Supervisor for From the Ground Up.
Community members are invited to attend the banquet on October 12. Tickets are $25 and only available in advance at Kottke Jewelers, Owatonna InstyPrints and at the Owatonna Fire Station.