Clear Lake Firefighter Barry Schuldt was recently named CLFD Firefighter of the Year and last month named the American Legion State of Minnesota Firefighter of the Year.

 

Now he’s up for national honors.

 

July 18 at Jackpot Junction in Morton, MN, Schuldt received the state award after Legion Member Bud Stimmler and CLFD Chief Ron Koren submitted his application in March.

 

Schuldt, 58 and a 35-year veteran of the Clear Lake Fire Dept., received a plaque and $150 cash which he donated back to the Legionville Camp that recently survived a massive wind storm. He is a captain with the CLFD.

 

The Clear Lake American Legion was honored to nominate Barry for firefighter of the year and further honored that he won the state title this year,” said Stimmler.

 

Schuldt’s award in Morton was presented by Law and Order American Legion Chairman Tom Conway and Commander Peggy Moon. Sgt. Mark Ficcadenti of the St. Paul PD was presented the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award as well.

 

“Schuldt has taken on many roles in his 35 years with the department,” said Koren. “He has participated in numerous community activities and functions and always puts the needs of the fire department first before his own.”

 

Koren cited an example when Schuldt passed on becoming an assistant chief three years ago because he saw the need to have a younger officer trained and placed in command.

 

“Because of a retirement of one of our chief officers, Barry was finally promoted to assistant chief in April of this year,” said Koren. “A promotion well deserved.”

 

Koren went on to say that one of the many reasons Schuldt was selected firefighter of the year was his mentoring skills.

 

“Barry always has time to answer a junior firefighter’s questions or concerns, as well as helping anyone with any problems which may arise, said the chief. “Barry is well liked and respected as an officer.

 

Schuldt has garnered numerous certificates for training and advanced training and has conducted department training in many areas of firefighting. A list of some of his certifications include: self-contained breathing apparatus, structure burns, electric hybrid, smoke recognition, fire behavior, emergency driving, pump operations, highway safety, survival, incident command, incident safety officer, advanced search and rescue ice water rescue, ventilation, first responder medical and CPR and defibulator training.

 

He has also gone through advanced RIT training as well as auto extrication, confined space entry level, fire scene cause and determination, LP gas and combustible liquids, terrorism awareness and railroad emergency response training.

 

“Barry’s contributions to this organization cannot be condensed to one single year of service,” said Koren. “He has helped shape this department to make it the exceptional fire department it is today.

 

Koren said thanks to members like Schuldt, the whole community can be proud of the entire department of members.

 

“Thank you, Barry, for your past service and dedication and for your future contributions to this community,” said the fire chief. “You are certainly a firefighter that future firefighters can and should emulate.”

 

Schuldt is a quiet, humble man and he always likes to give praise rather than receive it. But it’s hard to ignore the accolades he’s receiving lately for the solid commitment and contributions he’s made to the area and the department he serves.

 

“This Legion award is by far my biggest achievement,” said Schuldt. “Not just for me but for the department and it’s quite an honor being recognized by the American Legion.”

 

At the awards presentation, Schuldt was scheduled to make a speech following the speech by Police Officer Ficcadenti. Little did Schuldt know, but Ficcadenti was a veteran speech giver.

 

“I had butterflies after he got up there and gave that long speech,” said Schuldt. “I basically just wanted to say thanks and that’s about it.”

 

The 97th National American Legion Convention will be held Aug.28 - Sept.3, in Baltimore, MD.

 

Schuldt has lived in Clear Lake Township for 32 years but he grew up in the City of Clear Lake and attended St. Cloud Tech High School.

 

He is married (Brenda) and the Schuldts have three children (Kelly, 34, Keenan, 29 and Kaleb 24). They also have two grandsons (Payten, 6 and Kooper, 4).