MSFCA 2025 Elections

Vice Presidential Candidates

• Kurt Rogers, Fire Chief, Lakewood Vol. Fire Department
• Justin M. Sherwood, Fire Chief, Bemidji Fire Department

Ballots will be sent electronically to all MSFCA active voting members in July. Voting will close August 8th. If you have any questions or issues with voting, contact the MSFCA Office at 800-743-0911 or [email protected]. 

Kurt Rogers, Fire Chief, Lakewood Vol. Fire Department

Hello, my name is Kurt Rogers, and I am seeking re-election for the position of Vice President. My fire career started unofficially in the mid 1970’s helping my father who was a member of the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department. The opportunities to help wash the apparatus, hose and the ladders at a young age instilled in me the love of the fire service.

Fast forward to 1991 and the chance to join the LVFD was offered. I accepted the challenge and began my adult firefighting career. Moving upwards through the ranks, first as a firefighter, a trustee for the relief association, then Assistant-Chief and finally Chief in 2000.

My mentors encouraged me to become an instructor for Lake Superior College. I joined their ranks and was a live burn instructor along with classroom teaching for roughly ten years. During this time, I also began getting more involved in regional mutual aid. I served as Vice-President and President of the Lakehead Mutual Aid Association. Over time I noticed a suspected problem with our regional mutual aid response. The idea of a box alarm system was pitched to a few of my colleagues which led to the beginning of the current St. Louis County box alarm system. Once this system was up and running, it has taken on a new life and is being looked at as a steppingstone for possible statewide use.

Lakewood Township needed a new fire station. With some community leaders helping and some devoted residents, I helped to bring that project from a vacant lot to a new headquarters for the LVFD. My team at LVFD has been and always will be like family.

Being part of a volunteer fire department is one of the most rewarding things that has shaped me as a person. Being a volunteer, you're not trying to build a resume and move on. Instead, you are looking to the future of the community that you live in and the improvement of the services that can be offered.
In 2016, the opportunity came to join the MSFCA board of directors. Coming from a volunteer fire department and to meeting some “big city chiefs” was one of the most rewarding and humbling moments that I have experienced. Starting out as a regional representative, the different challenges around the state became apparent. We were all trying to do the same job with less and less every year. The office of vice-president became vacant and I was appointed to serve out the remainder of that term. I was re-elected during the next election and in addition I have served as the Chair of the Communications and Policy Committee. During this past term, the then current president changed his career and became employed by the state which led to my becoming president of the MSFCA for roughly 6 months. I sought re-election for Vice-President and ran unopposed. Having served on several different levels of the MSFCA is why I have chosen to run for Vice-President for a third term.

Some of the differences from a career department to a volunteer/paid on call department are vast. One of the things I would like to see is the growth of the MSFCA membership for the volunteer/paid on call departments. These departments make up ninety seven percent of the fire service in Minnesota, but not all belong to the MSFCA. I would also like to see the growth of the MSFCA leadership academies to bring more inclusion for the younger fire service leaders that are aspiring to become an officer for their organizations. Being a part of the new academy that started in Duluth has been rewarding. One thing that I would like to see is for it to become a destination academy with hands-on training opportunities that tie into the skill set needed to help future firefighters become the leaders that we all need.

In closing, I would humbly ask for your vote for this up-coming election.

Justin M. Sherwood, Fire Chief, Bemidji Fire Department

Executive Summary
With over 20 years of progressive fire service experience, I bring a strong background in leadership, operations, training, prevention, and interagency collaboration. As I begin my fifth year as Chief of the City of Bemidji’s fire department, I am fortunate to lead a complex, multi- jurisdictional agency that serves 18 local government units across a 522-square-mile area while managing a combination workforce and an increasingly heavy and diverse call volume.

Our department has worked to represent the City of Bemidji and the Minnesota fire service through innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. We’ve actively supported prevention and outreach initiatives in partnership with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division. These efforts reflect our shared belief in accountability, continuous improvement, and putting the community first.

As a member of the Board of Directors and a candidate for Vice President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association, I am committed to fostering a unified and progressive organization that supports fire departments of all sizes across Minnesota. I will continue to advocate for inclusive legislation and work to expand access to education, training, and vital resources that strengthen our members and the communities they serve.

Through the development of partnerships, the exchange of ideas, and a common purpose, we can ensure that all fire departments in Minnesota are equipped to address the complex needs of our communities.

Professional Experience
Fire Chief – City of Bemidji
February 2021 – Present

Currently serving as Fire Chief for the City of Bemidji, overseeing a multi-jurisdictional, combination department responsible for protecting 522 square miles across eighteen local government units. Leading strategic planning, interagency collaboration, training initiatives, and operational readiness in a rapidly growing service area.

Fire Captain – City of Bemidji
November 2010 – February 2021

Provided frontline leadership and supervision for emergency response operations. Played a key role in training coordination, incident command, and personnel development during a period of increasing call volume and community growth.

Firefighter/EMT – City of Bemidji
June 2004 – November 2010

Responded to fire, rescue, and EMS calls as part of the department’s career staff. Supported public education and fire prevention efforts while building a solid foundation in tactical operations and emergency medical care.

Residential Dorm Firefighter – City of Bemidji
May 2002 – June 2004

Lived on-site and provided on-call response support while completing formal education and training. Gained early firsthand experience in emergency services and department culture, laying the groundwork for a career in the fire service.

Education and Credentials
M.A. – Public Safety Leadership and Administration (July 2025) – Arizona State University
A.A.S. – Fire Service Technology – College of Western Idaho Managing Fire Officer Program – National Fire Academy
Fire Service Technology diploma – Northwest Technical College
B.S. – Elementary Education – Bemidji State University

Chief Fire Officer Designee – Center for Public Safety Excellence

Proposed Initiatives as Vice President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association

Bylaw and Policy Review
As Chair of the Communications and Policy Committee, I will continue collaborating with the committee to review and refine the association’s bylaws, ensuring they are clear, consistent, and aligned with our evolving mission.

Define Executive Leadership Roles
Define the roles and responsibilities of the Association President and Vice President positions. The goal is to provide an outline to help the MSFCA maintain strong leadership and clarify the process for future candidates.

Strengthen Internal Communication
Improve communication among the executive board, the board of directors, and association committees. This will improve coordination and engagement throughout the organization.

Collaboration Across Statewide Associations
Strengthen the partnership between the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association and the Minnesota State Fire Department Association.

Improve Association Workflow
Partner with the President and Executive Director to review the association’s workflow and develop an organizational work chart to improve efficiency and consistency across leadership roles.

Legal Resource Hub for Chief Officers
Launch a members-only page that offers Chief Fire Officers legal and professional support. Partner agencies will be available to consult with and provide information on defamation, harassment, legal representation, and workplace challenges. The goal is to ensure members have the tools to lead confidently and protect their professional integrity.

Continue lobbying efforts at the State and Federal levels
I remain dedicated to actively supporting the fire service at both the state and federal levels. Over the past year, I’ve traveled to the Minnesota State Capitol and Washington, D.C., to meet directly with legislators and support legislation that benefits the Minnesota fire service.

These visits ensure our needs are understood and our priorities are heard. As prospective Vice President, I will continue building these relationships and advocating for the necessary resources and policy support our departments need to thrive.