MSP Airport Fire Department celebrates special honors, announces 2025 Firefighter of the Year

The MSP Airport Fire Department celebrated outstanding members of the department at an awards and recognition ceremony held last week. The event recognized Dustin Dodge as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year, presented the Honor Guard Dedication Award to Adrienne Selbitschka, and marked the promotion of Dan Olson to assistant chief of operations.

Firefighter of the Year: Dustin Dodge

The Jon D. Kauffmann Firefighter of the Year Award is named in honor of Driver/Operator Jon D. Kauffmann, who served the MSP Airport Fire Department from 2011 until his passing in 2021. The award recognizes a firefighter nominated by peers who demonstrates excellence in duty, integrity, vigilance, honor, valor and professionalism.

This year’s recipient, Driver Dustin Dodge, was honored for his commitment and dedication to the department and the fire service community as a whole. 

Dustin proudly represented the MSP Airport Fire Department Honor Guard, contributed many hours as a probationary firefighter trainer, and worked well in advance to build and instruct the department’s very own Fire Apparatus Operator Program.

He was instrumental in establishing a working budget for the Honor Guard and led a team of members to the department's first-ever appearances at both the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado — historic milestones for the department.

Honor Guard Dedication Award: Adrienne Selbitschka

This year’s ceremony also featured the presentation of the Honor Guard Dedication Award, which recognizes Honor Guard members who have demonstrated sustained commitment, professionalism, and integrity throughout a minimum of five years of service in good standing.

This year’s recipient, Driver Adrienne Selbitschka, is a founding member of the MSP Airport Fire Department Honor Guard, helping to establish the team’s standards and traditions when it was formed in 2017.

Over the course of her tenure, Adrienne served at seven military remains planeside memorials, two police officer planeside memorials, and the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the State Capitol. 

Adrienne represented the department at numerous public events and attended more than 30 training events throughout her time on the team. Her dedication, professionalism and respect for tradition have made a lasting impact.

Promotion: Dan Olson to Assistant Chief of Operations

The ceremony also celebrated the promotion of Dan Olson from fire captain to assistant chief of operations.