Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
Since then, his role has blossomed into much more.
On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award.
"(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award."
Sherwood was
named fire chief in 2021;
at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State.
He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association.
In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor.
"I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace."
During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service.
"This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it."
Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today.
"Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family.
"You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here."
In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall.
"(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
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