Jim Zwaschka

This Years Recipient Captain James Zwaschka has given 8.5 years to the service with 4.5 ofthose years as a training officer. Besides managing the departments training program this individual spends time teaching on his own fire department, this dedicated training officer teaches firefighters around the state.

When I think of Jim I think of a leader. Jim is a very hard working person with a passion for training. Jim has helped to make their local fire department a leader in training in the county.

He has also helped developed four firefighters as instructors that help with the training program at their fire department. Also all 5 of these folks teach for the fire training program at their local college.

He is a very organized person who has developed a number of courses that are used at the local college.

Jim is very well respected as a firefighter, as an instructor and a training officer.

just recently Jim was appointed Station Captain for the North Mankato fire department.  It is very obvious that this individuals talents are recognized by their fire administration. Now one of the instructors that has been working with this individual will now take over the responsibilities of the training officer. 

Jim has exemplified the image of the training officer. He is always very professional in the way the training program is managed.

As one of the instructors has told us; Jim has taken the training program for our department to levels that exceeded anything we had done in the past.

Jim is always willing to help and is always willing to give extra when it is needed to other training officers and instructors.

It is my pleasure to present this award to Captain Jim Zwaschka

Congratulations Jim!