Every year in February, Clear Lake Firefighters gather for their annual dinner to honor retirees, recognize and honor those who have gone above and beyond, and to name the Firefighter of the Year. This year, the recipient of the award could not be present to receive the award because he would be in the country of Jordan. 

Daniel Kampa has served in the Minnesota National Guard for almost 15 years. He has been deployed three times, including a stint in Jordan. He will be heading back to the Middle East sometime at the end of January for an 11-month deployment. The officers of the CLFD had to develop a new plan, so it was decided that the award would be given after a training session held on Monday, January 12.   

Kampa, a three-and-a-half-year member of CLFD and 8-year veteran firefighter, did not expect to be the winner. Nominees are initially selected by fellow firefighters, and then the officers make a final decision.   This year, several firefighters were nominated and Kampa was chosen. 

Interim Fire Chief Matt Lunser described some of the qualities that Kampa possesses that earned him the award. 

“Danny is always willing to help out and help others,” Lunser said. “He always has a positive attitude. He’s not a grumbler and is respectful of others. He’s always working for the common good.”

Lunser also pointed out that Kampa participated on several committees in 2025 including the Truck and Building Committees.

It is tradition to have the previous year’s recipient give the award to the current winner, so Matt Davis was on hand to present Kampa with the award and echoed Lunser’s thoughts, that he is always ready to help out and has a positive attitude. He also pointed out how well Kampa shares his vast experience with others during training.    

Kampa said it came as a total surprise to him, given the many worthy candidates who were nominated. In his acceptance remarks, he thanked everyone who was present and apologized for having to leave them so soon.  He said he looks forward to getting back to help the department further.   

When this reporter asked him if he forgot anything in his acceptance speech, Kampa said, “I guess I’d want to thank everybody who, throughout the years, have shared their knowledge and expertise to help me.”  

He acknowledged firefighters in Becker. 

“They were super helpful.  They had knowledge that obviously helped me get better with this department (CLFD) and become better.”

That knowledge may be why Kampa was named Clear Lake’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year.