Good firefighters are hard to find but in Becker, there seem to be many that can fit the bill. In fact, every year the BFD honors one of its own and this year the department named Terry Foradory their Firefighter of the Year.

 

Foradory was selected by Fire Chief Doug Kolbinger for the honor for having a very high call response and always being available to do extra duties at the station. Kolbinger says Foradory often takes many of the trucks in for repairs when needed and shows up at the station whenever equipment gets delivered or something important needs to get done.

 

“Terry is a dedicated member of the department,” Kolbinger says. “He is a very knowledgeable and compassionate EMT at medical calls and a hard worker at fire scenes. He has taken many extra courses to further his training.”

 

Foradory was given a small bronze statue of a firefighter at the department’s annual holiday appreciation dinner Jan. 24. He had no idea Kolbinger was going to present him with the accolade.

 

“I was truly surprised,” Foradory said. “Even after chief called my name, it took me a few seconds to register that it had been me.”

 

Foradory, 27 and single, has been with the Becker Fire Department since 2011. Joining the department has been “one of the most important decisions of my life, “ he said.

 

“Growing up and seeing the fire department driving to a rescue, I knew that was what I wanted to do someday,” Foradory said. “To be able to work with talented and professional firefighters is truly a blessing.” 

 

Terry says being on the fire department is like having a second family. 

 

“Pretty much everyone is very caring and willing to help you out if I ever needed it,” he says. “Daily life has changed a little bit with having to carry a pager on my hip and at a moments notice have to leave and go on a call. Its more than worth it (though).”

 

Foradory says he is humbled with the award, knowing that many of the men and women in his department were just as worthy. He plans on being a firefighter for as long as he possibly can. He says it is very rewarding being able to see the positive effect that he and his fellow firefighters have on their community.

 

“I like the feeling of helping someone in need,” he says. “When we can show up on a scene when someone is having the worst day of their life and I can be there to help, it’s the best feeling around.”