Police officer Shelby Bonczek and Fire Lt. and EMT Brian Gustafson are this year’s American Legion 566 selections for Outstanding Officer/Firefighter of the Year.
Each year the Legion recognizes local police officers and firefighters from the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department. The candidates then have the chance to compete at the state and, potentially, at the national level.
“It is important to recognize the officers (and firefighters) that go above and beyond,” explained Post Commander Scott Nordstrom. “The purpose of the award is to recognize those that are contributing a lot to the community that they serve as an officer or firefighter.”
Gustafson grew up in Lindstrom near the fire station. “My uncle was a firefighter and he lived so close to the fire station he would run to the station,” he recalled. He also remembers helping to wash the fire engines.