“Good enough is not good enough” has been Justin Sherwood’s approach to leadership and fire services since his career began more than 20 years ago. He has brought that ethos to his role as fire chief for the City of Bemidji since 2021, and will share his experiences with Northwest Technical College graduates on May 9 as the first recipient of the NTC IMPACT Award.

Friday, May 9 • 4 p.m. Sanford Center Commencement Website

Sherwood will receive the NTC IMPACT Award Thursday, May 1, at Northwest Technical College. The presentation begins at 5 p.m. and light refreshments will be served. RSVPs to admin@ntcmn.edu are appreciated by April 29.

Sherwood says he “works to develop a departmental culture of accountability, excellence and continuous improvement” in his role as fire chief. He holds Chief Fire Officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, demonstrating his responsibility to lead the department’s strategic firefighting planning, mitigate risks and coordinate emergency responses. He also serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association as an advocate for fire service agencies throughout Northern Minnesota.

In addition to his leadership roles, Sherwood is an accomplished writer with work published in the Minnesota State Fire Chief and Firehouse magazine. His writing shares insight on mental health, leadership, organizational culture and the evolving challenges facing today’s fire service.

Sherwood has deep ties to the Bemidji community, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University and a fire service technology certificate from NTC. He also holds an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program. He is pursuing a master’s degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State University.

NTC’s Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional innovation through creative problem-solving, mastery of technical skills and outstanding academic performance. It recognizes progress in personal and professional growth, achievements in competitions and projects and community engagement through active participation and collaboration. The award also acknowledges the application of technology to develop practical and ethical solutions to problems while making meaningful contributions to the Bemidji community and the region’s workforce through service and study in technical fields. The award also recognizes individuals for their association and contributions to NTC.

NTC’s 2025 Commencement ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at Bemidji’s Sanford Center. Commencement is open to the public.

CALENDAR

May 1 — 5–7 p.m. — Inaugural NTC IMPACT Awards celebration, recognizing Justin Sherwood, fire chief, City of Bemidji. Light refreshments served. RSVP appreciated by April 29 to admin@ntcmn.edu. Location: NTC Commons, NTC campus, 905 Grant Ave. SE, Bemidji.

May 9 — 4 p.m. — Northwest Technical College Commencement. Location: Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Dr. NE, Bemidji.

CONTACT

• Commencement — Andy Bartlett, director of communications, andy.bartlett@bemidjistate.edu
• NTC IMPACT Award ceremony — admin@ntcmn.edu