Sussner honored as Minneota Fire Fighter of Year

Having been the Fire Chief of the Minneota Fire Department for the past 17 years, Jeff Sussner has become like a coach of a team of 26.
“It takes a lot of dedication for everyone to be a fire fighter,” Sussner said. “Not only the fire fighters themselves, but their families, too. And what’s forgotten a lot are the business owners who allow their people to be fire fighters that might have to leave work at any time.”
Sussner, who has been a fire fighter in Minneota since May of 1997, was recognized recently as the Minneota Fire Fighter of the Year at their department’s banquet.
In a statement, the department said on Facebook, “We would like to recognize his leadership, professionalism and his ability to stay calm in every situation. His awareness of the scene ensures the safety of his peers and the community. Countless hours of behind-the-scenes facilitating, meetings, drills, phone calls and sacrificing his nights and weekends have gone into his position. He is not only a dynamic leader but a personal friend to everyone on the team." Sussner grew up in Ghent and graduated from Minneota High Schol in 1991. After studying to be an electrician, Sussner returned here and began working for his father, Ron, at Frank’s Electric in 1995. Two years later, he joined the Minneota Fire Department.
“My dad and my father-in-law, Fuzzy Downing, were both firemen, and I was asked to join the department, so I did,” said Sussner. “
Sussner took over as owner of Frank’s Electric four years ago. He and his wife, Nacole, have four children, Lydia, Logan, Lyzah and Libby.
When asked what is the most rewarding part of being a fire fighter, he replied “You get to help out the community in a time of need. In a small community, you know everyone and that makes it harder to see them going through something like a fire, so you want to do what you can to help them.”
When the weather turns brutally cold, Sussner has to make sure to keep his men safe and warm.
“Safety is number one,” he said. “I never want to put anyone at risk. If it’s really cold out, I try to keep the guys rotating by having them fight a fire for 20 or 30 minutes and then go in the truck or a building to warm up.”
Sussner credit his cohorts with making the Minneota Fire Department a strong unit.
“It takes all 26 of us,” he said. “We have a very good department in which everyone is dedicated. I appreciate being recognized, but it takes more than just one person.”