2025 Firefighter of the Year

Senior Administrative Technician Bonnie Hermel

OWATONNA, Minn., Sept. 22, 2025 – The Owatonna Fire Department is proud to announce that Senior Administrative Technician Bonnie Hermel has been selected as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Fire Chief Ed Hoffman selects an individual for this honor with input from staff annually. Hermel will be recognized at the October 9 Exchange Club of Owatonna’s annual Firefighter Recognition Banquet honoring all firefighters who serve Owatonna.

The criteria used to select the annual award recipient includes demonstrating performance above and beyond their regular duties, being a genuinely good person, being a good team member and using knowledge and skills in a positive way that improves the department overall.

Hermel joined the Owatonna Fire Department in June 2006. Prior to joining the department, she worked for both Target Headquarters and MoneyGram International. “While she may not technically be a firefighter, Bonnie is a key member of our department,” said Hoffman. In addition to her duties supporting fire department operations, she is also a member of many other City work groups including the Communications Task Force, the Culture Team and the Social Media and Website User Groups. She was nominated by many of the firefighters and ultimately selected because of her key role in ensuring efficient fire department operations and her always helpful attitude.

Mike Dobesh, president of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), is the featured speaker for the banquet. He has been in the fire service since 1996 and recently retired as Richfield’s Fire Chief. As an active member of multiple other committees and work groups, Dobesh is passionate about firefighter health, safety, enhancing training and expanding leadership within the fire service and all of its strategic partners. He currently serves on the Minnesota Type III Incident Management team, is past-president of the Hennepin Fire Chiefs Association and co-founded MnFIRE.

Community members are invited to attend the banquet at the Owatonna Eagles Club. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. proceeded by dinner at 6. Tickets are $25 and only available in advance at Kottke Jewelers and Owatonna InstyPrints. For additional information about the Owatonna Fire Department, visit owatonna.gov/fire or follow the Fire Department on Facebook.

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