Mound Fire Press Room

News and Current Events

MFD gives back. Learn more about what the Mound Fire Department is doing for the Lake Minnetonka community and see live-action shots from fire training, fire calls, community events, and ceremonies.

Ben Gottschalk, Mound Firefighter of the Year

Every year the Mound Fire Department staff selects one of its current firefighters as the department “Firefighter of the Year.” The 2012 Mound Fire Department Firefighter of the Year is Firefighter Ben Gottschalk.

The recipient of this recognition award is chosen based upon a nomination process that involves all of the current Mound firefighters. Individual firefighters are nominated (for the award) based upon predetermined criteria including: each firefighter’s responses to Fire and Rescue calls, attendance at training sessions, overall level of participation and involvement, the amount of time dedicated to public relations activities, and a positive hard working attitude. All of these important firefighter attributes typically add up to an individual that is very dedicated to the fire department.

Ben Gottschalk has been a volunteer with the Mound Fire Department since joining the ranks in May 2006. Firefighter Gottschalk is a tireless worker that participates at a very high level in training, public relations events, and is a prompt emergency responder. Firefighter Gottschalk is very dedicated to the fire department and is a quiet leader among the fire department staff.

Congratulations to Ben Gottschalk on his past accomplishments, and for receiving this very special 2012 Mound Firefighter of the Year Award!

First Responder TV: Interview with Ben

First Responder TV, Your Local Public Safety Source, will look at ways for citizens to stay safe, highlight local public safety events, feature on location training exercises, and much more. Hosted by Kellie Murphy-Ringate, Excelsior Fire District Fire Inspector.

Firefighter of the year interview begins at 18:52.

In this episode of First Responder TV:

• Excelsior Fire District's Ice Rescue Training Exercise
• Kellie interviews Matt Hehl of AAA Minneapolis
• Scam Alert!
• Making a Difference: 2012 Mound Firefighter of the Year Ben Gottschalk
• Safety Source: LMCC Safety Expert - Snowplow Safety Tips

Producers/Videographers/Editors: Chris Vogt and Tyler Rabe
Copyright: LMCC 2013