Photo courtesy of Quentin Brunsvold Tracy Fire Chief Dale Johnson III and Marshall Fire Chief Quentin Brunsvold received the Fire Officer of the Year award last week, at the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association’s annual conference. Two awards are presented each year. Brunsvold received the award for cities with a population over 10,000, and Johnson received the award for cities with a population under 10,000.

MARSHALL — Two Lyon County fire departments were in the spotlight last week, as both the Marshall and Tracy fire chiefs received statewide honors.

“This is a huge shining star for Lyon County,” said Marshall Fire Chief Quentin Brunsvold.

Brunsvold and Tracy Fire Chief Dale Johnson III were each named Fire Officer of the Year during the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association’s annual conference Oct. 15. Brunsvold received the award for cities with a population over 10,000, and Johnson received the award for cities with a population under 10,000.

There haven’t been many Fire Officers of the Year from southwest Minnesota – and it’s even more unusual that this year both awards went to chiefs from Lyon County, Brunsvold said.

The MSFCA presents the Fire Officer of the Year award to two officers each year. Nominees for the award need to be active officers at fire departments, and be MSFCA members in good standing. The selection criteria for the award look at nominees’ leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public and contributions to the fire service, the MSFCA said.

As part of the award, Brunsvold and Johnson will each receive a $1,200 grant for a fire department purchase or continuing professional development.

Johnson became Tracy Fire Chief in 2007, and has more than 25 years of service, the MSFCA said. In their announcement of the award on social media, the MSFCA said Johnson has strengthened the Tracy Fire Department through enhanced training, safety initiatives, and regional collaboration.

Brunsvold said Johnson was dedicated to fire service, was a resource when responding to incidents like fires.

Brunsvold became Marshall Fire Chief in 2018. In their announcement of the Fire Officer of the Year award, the MSFCA said Brunsvold has led efforts like forming specialized rescue and hazmat teams, and modernizing training and equipment for the Marshall Fire Department. Brunsvold has also served as a mentor and resource for neighboring fire departments, the MSFCA said.

Brunsvold said receiving the award was humbling.

“I don’t do this for recognition,” he said of serving on the fire department. Brunsvold said his goal was for Marshall and neighboring communities to have excellent fire service. “I want the community to be proud of their fire department,” he said.