Bemidji Firefighters Recognized in First-Ever Badge Pinning Ceremony

Recognition can come in many forms. For Bemidji firefighters, family and friends gathered to show their support for the hometown heroes in the first-ever badge pinning ceremony for the Bemidji Fire Department last night.

Each day, an estimated 48,000 people in the Bemidji area rely on those at the Bemidji Fire Department. Last night, this ability for the community to rely on emergency services grew, as new recruits earned their badges while current members garnered a promotion.

The journey to this point was not an easy one. But with support from the station and even outside of it from the community and family, those with anywhere between one day or one decade under their belts are able to do what firefighters do best – serve.

Regardless of how long a firefighter has spent at a station, the knowledge from colleagues and support from family in a ceremony like this can help prevent burnout that may be seen in some other EMS professions.

Along with 10 new firefighters receiving their badges and three promotions, Fire Chief Justin Sherwood also recognized other firefighters for notable life-saving actions performed this past year in Bemidji and the surrounding area during the ceremony. The area the fire department serves includes three cities and 15 townships.