Clear Lake firefighter Lieutenant Ryan Peterson was recently named the Clear Lake Fire Dept.’s Firefighter of the Year, a distinction that was awarded by his peers on the department.

 

Each year Clear Lake firefighters are encouraged to nominate one of their own for the award by writing a letter explaining why they believe that person best exemplifies the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service. The chief officers then review the letters and make the final decision.

 

Peterson, who joined the department in 2012, is the first in his family to become a firefighter. He knew other people in the department, and as he had recently begun farming again and had more time available, decided he’d try it out as something new to do. 

 

“I enjoy helping people and have made a lot of great friends,” he said.

 

The past year has been especially meaningful to him, as the department had a CPR save.

 

“Seeing someone that I helped to live is pretty incredible,” Peterson said, who has met the woman since. “You get to know the community as a firefighter and luckily you get to help people.”

 

Peterson, who was promoted to lieutenant last year, is humble about his award.

 

“It’s not the reason you do it, but it means a lot that they look up to me and voted to give me this award,” he said. 

 

As a lieutenant, Peterson’s goal is to be a good leader and role model.

 

“I really appreciate all the effort everyone else puts in,” he said.