Heiderscheidt received MN American Legion 2025 Firefighter of the Year
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SLEEPY EYE -- Sleepy Eye Fire Department Assistant Fire Marshal Shaun Heiderscheidt was surprised when he was named the 2025 Firefighter of the Year by the Minnesota American Legion.
"It's a helluva surprise," said Heiderscheidt who lived outside the fire department's five-minute response time limit until he moved into Sleepy Eye with his wife in 2013.
"I learned about a fire department opening and applied for it," he said.
Heiderscheidt said he likes everything about being a firefighter.
"I like the excitement of a fire call. I like being able to teach the community about fire awareness. We do a lot of outreach with kids and adults," he said.
Heiderscheidt was nominated for the award by Benjamin S. Remelle Post 7 American Legion Club in Sleepy Eye.
"I got an application in the mail from the American Legion. I filled out the application which was a rough draft of what I do and have done as a fireman," he said.
Heiderscheidt said a grain bin rescue of a farmer near Sleepy Eye three years ago stands out in his memory as a fireman.
"We used our grain bin rescue equipment, metal sheets that slid together around him and an auger attached to a drill and a lot of shoveling. We had the fire department, police, emergency medical services and a Minnesota state trooper helping. Everybody that was there was moving corn and helping out. It was great being able to save him," he said.
"I've even been able to save a cat from a fire uptown. There was a fire in the basement. An apartment upstairs was full of smoke. There were a couple cats in it. A couple guys and I went up there and got the cats out after the residents got out and told us they had cats inside," said Heiderscheidt.
He said every fire call can be a challenge.
"Every call is so dynamic in it's own way. You have to figure it out in the snap of a finger. We usually make a plan on the way to the call. Saving lives and property make you feel good. It's what we are supposed to do -- mitigate things when people are having a horrible day. I also enjoy the brotherhood aspect of being a firefighter," he said.