Albert Lea fire chief receives Fire Officer of the Year award
City News October 22, 2026
Albert Lea Chief Jeff Laskowske (center) accepts the Fire Officer of the Year award from Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association President Greg Peterson (left) and Vice President Justin Sherwood (right).
Albert Lea Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske recently received the Fire Officer of the Year award, for cities with populations over 10,000, at the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs annual conference.
In his acceptance speech, Laskowske expressed his gratitude for the men and women of Albert Lea Fire Rescue. He commended the team for their hard work, sleepless nights, continuous training, and unwavering commitment to the community.
“Thank you for your trust, your loyalty, and your relentless pursuit of excellence. I accept this award on behalf of all of you,” he said.
Laskowske has served with Albert Lea Fire Rescue since 2014, first as deputy chief and then as chief since June 2025. A native of South Dakota, he served as a captain with the Grand Forks, North Dakota, Fire Department for 13 years before joining the Albert Lea department.
He earned his associate degree in Fire Technology from Northland Community and Technical College in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and his bachelor of science degree in Fire Prevention Administration through Eastern Kentucky University.
The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association is a professional, member-driven organization, committed to representing the interests of fire departments, chiefs, command staff, officers and firefighters throughout Minnesota. The association is made up of more than 1,700 senior fire officers that represent nearly 500 departments statewide.
Each year, the association presents two Fire Officer of the Year Awards, one for cities with populations under 10,000 and one for cities with populations over 10,000. The selection criteria emphasizes leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public and contributions to the fire service as a whole.
“Chief Jeff Laskowske is a tremendous asset to Albert Lea,” said Mayor Rich Murray. “His leadership, dedication and commitment to public service set a high standard for our fire department. He has earned the deep respect of our firefighters, city council and community through his outstanding work. This award is well-deserved.”
For immediate release
Oct. 22, 2025
Media contact: Albert Lea Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske at 507-377-4311 or jlaskowske@ci.albertlea.mn.us
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The mission of Albert Lea Fire Rescue: We are committed to help people and to do what is right, today and in the future.
