Department of Year

   The 146th Annual MSFDA Conference and Fire School was held Sept. 15-16 in Breezy Point and we would like to extend appreciation to all our sponsors, instructors, volunteers, and attendees for making it a success!

   Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sessions, in both hands-on and classroom settings. 

   Each year, one of the highlights of the conference is the banquet dinner and awards presentation, where the hard work and dedication of outstanding members are recognized.  Annabelle Hardwick (Mantorville Fire) was awarded Firefighter of the Year and Gibbon Fire Department received Fire Department of the Year.

   To celebrate our 150th Anniversary past board members, Ron Kelm (Brownton Fire – ret.), Judy Thill (Inver Grove Heights Fire), Mike “Spanky” Schroeder (Willmar Fire - ret.) and Shane Schmidt (Alexandria Fire – ret.) attended the banquet and were recognized for their years of dedication to our association.

   If you were in attendance, our hope is that you found the conference valuable (and fun!) and will join us again next year in Mankato, Sept. 20-21, 2024.

   Our membership continues to grow, and we have now reached 662 member departments. The MSFDA board continues to be committed to providing our members with exclusive benefits and being an advocate for ALL firefighters throughout the state.  If your department is not currently a member, contact me to learn more.

   Stay tuned to our Facebook and website for more updates and opportunities to engage with MSFDA as we work together to shape the future of the fire service.

   Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!

DeeDee Jankovich,
MSFDA Executive Director