Leonard Schoenherr

Schoenherr was named Fireman of the Year for 2008 because of his work ethic, willingness to lend a hand and ambition.

He started with Le Mars Fire Department as a reserve member in 2006 and even then began to shine.

"He excelled as a state certified fire fighter in his first year," said Wayne Schipper, fire chief. "He's excelled in training, further education and he also took up a position in the officer's ranks as treasurer."

Schoenherr, who was voted in as regular member of the fire department in January 2007, said what he's doing is nothing special.

"We don't do this for the pats on the back," he said. "It's just something we do."

But, he added, it is an honor to be recognized.

Schoenherr said he decided to be a fire fighter after a car crash he was involved in where he met a fire fighter. After talking to him, Schoenherr decided to give it a try.

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"I didn't know if I was going to like it or not," he said. "I just fell in love with it."

Schoenherr got involved right away by volunteering his time for parades and ceremonies. He also worked hard to get Fire Fighter 1 certification and goes on as many fire calls as possible especially in the evenings and on weekends.

"My wife, she finds it hard to get me out of town on the weekends," Schoenherr said.

He and wife, Deanna, have three daughters.

Schoenherr plans to further his education by becoming an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) if the classes are offered this fall. With that training Schoenherr said he can do even more.

"You go in crashes, treat on site and stabilize victims as much as possible," he said.

That training will also help him with his long-term goal of becoming a full-time paramedic.

"I'm looking to try to go as far as I can with the fire department," Schoenherr said.

Schipper said when choosing the fire fighter of the year he looks at overall performance and takes into account that everyone has different levels of accomplishment. He also gets input from other officers and fire fighters.

"We look at the whole individual," Schipper said. "We look at all those different avenues."

Schoenherr said the fire that most sticks in his mind was in the apartments above the Hi-Lite bar, in downtown Le Mars. That's when he really got to see how fire moves through a building and learned about getting people to safety.

Along with helping out wherever he can, Schoenherr said he also enjoys the family-like atmosphere he shares with the other fire fighters.

"It's the guys we have on. The way we're able to get along away from the department," he said. "It doesn't just stop at the department."