Bemidji Fire Department holds annual Relief Association Recognition Dinner

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Fire Department held its annual Relief Association Recognition Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 18, for the first time in several years after being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hosted by the Relief Association at the Hampton Inn and Suites, the evening included a social hour, dinner and a presentation program emceed by BFD Relief Association President Ben Hein, along with a short speech from Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince.

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Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood and Assistant Fire Chief Hein presented several longtime firefighters with service awards during the program.

Firefighter Dick Sathers received an award for his 46 years and nine months of service with the department, Assistant Chief Bruce "Gramps" Hemstad received an award for his 32 years of service and firefighter Eric Palmer received an award for his 22 years of service with the department.

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Captain Walter Lindahl received an award for the 10 years and nine months he served the department before leaving due to a medical condition.

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Bemidji Fire Station No. 2 firefighters Chad Aylesworth, Henry Steever, Linda Roberts, Captain Chris Oelrich and Captain Gordy Beighley presented firefighter Jeff Skime with an award for his 32 years of service with the department.

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Paul Burnham was unable to attend but also was honored for his 26 years of service.