Pagel is Sterling Firefighter of the Year

“I think it's great to be able to volunteer my time and effort to help people in and around the community and that's what drew me to want to join the fire department,” said Spencer Pagel of Sterling who was chosen as recipient of the 2026 Sterling Firefighter of the Year Award for his seven years of dedicated service. He received his award at an Appreciation Supper held at the Sterling Community Center on February 28. This is the second consecutive year Pagel was selected for the Sterling Firefighter Award. Pagel's name will be engraved on a plaque.
According to Pagel, with the generous donations the Sterling Fire Department has received over the last few years, the department has been able to upgrade several pieces of equipment, which Pagel feels has helped with getting new members on the department. “In my opinion, you can never have enough tools or equipment when it comes to public safety. We are always looking to buy new tools to better help us in emergency situations.” The Department has a brand new grass rig coming towards the end of this year that the department was able to help the rural board purchase.
“I feel very honored to receive the firefighter of the year award,” said Pagel. “I feel very privileged to be on the fire department. Its great to be able to help out other people in need whether its during a car accident or a house fire. We have a great group of guys on the department that bust their butts during calls to make sure stuff is done right and done safely. It doesn't matter if its during the day or the middle of the night they are always willing to help out with whatever the situation may be. . . We all work together as a team during tough situations.”

Other Sterling firemen recognized with certificates for their dedicated years of membership and service to Sterling and surrounding communities include:
27 Years: Jon Rathe and Kevin Wentz.
25 Years: Steve Eickhoff
21 Years: Dean Borcher
19 Years: Lee Warnsholz
15 Years: Jason Ebbers
11 Years: Chris Vermeer
8 Years: Sean Moss, Zach Lempka and Jake Bridges.
7 Years: Spencer Pagel
6 Years: Dan Fraley, Trevor Huls, Seth Harms, Dalton Clark, Jake Weyers, Nathan Thies, and Nate Bianchi.