Hero of the Month - October

Our October Hero of the Month
is Chief Todd Tomczik,
Cambridge Fire Dept.

Nominated by Jenna Colvin

Wearing your bunkers and a uniform doesn’t make you a firefighter, living it from the heart and going the extra mile every day, every call, every training does. Do it from the heart and live it strong describes Todd’s passion for firefighting extremely accurately.

Chief Tomczik began his fire career as a wide-eyed rookie in 1987. He was the city of Eden Prairie’s badge number 100. He grew up in Eden Prairie and was excited to return to his hometown and supporting his community. He fiercely dove right in and absorbed everything he could from his fellow firefighters at Station 3. He became a lieutenant for the department and studied arson investigation. The bond he shared with that first department is deep and many are still very connected after 35 years.

"I’ve known Chief Tomczik since his very first day as a rookie firefighter for the Eden Prairie Fire Department. Todd has always been the consummate professional in all of his dealings with his colleagues in the fire service and the general public. Todd lived close to the fire station, as did I, and we were on a lot of challenging calls together as the first engine company. I could also count on Todd to do whatever was necessary and in a timely manner," said George Esbensen, former Eden Prairie Chief and current Executive Director of MNFire.

In 1996, Todd moved to Cambridge, Minnesota and his personal life became busy with a new home, small children and getting to know a new city. So by 1998, he joined the Isanti County Sheriff Safety Rescue Department. This department assisted with medicals, car accidents, search, and community events. Todd earned the title of chief and brought his problem solving, years of experience and innovation to the program. He made lifelong friends in the department.

When the city of Cambridge was looking for volunteer firefighters, Todd knew he had to return to his passion. He joined the Cambridge Fire department in 2007 and served as Assistant Chief for many years. The city of Cambridge then swore him in as their Fire Chief in 2020. This milestone was an honor and a true highlight of his career to date.

“I have worked with Todd through the ranks at CFD and quickly realized that his big picture, strategic approach makes a large impact on how the CFD handles all emergency responses in a safe and efficient manner. Todd always focuses on life safety first and this is for both his firefighters and the victims we are assisting. Todd’s positive attitude is a huge benefit and helps his team stay positive but also provides direction to his team when mental health issues arise. Todd’s organizational skills and communication style are top notch. He keeps operations flowing smoothly,” said Corey Bustrom, CFD Assistant Chief.

Todd lives, breathes and loves to be a firefighter. Firefighters are unique. When they get a call to respond, they will jump out of bed from a deep sleep. They will leave the supper table before a bite of their favorite meal. They sacrifice time with their family on Christmas to fight a fire and save someone else’s life or property.

Join us in celebrating Todd Tomczik, Cambridge Fire Department, as our Hero of the Month for his commitment to the fire service and his family and friends. For being a devoutly dedicated husband, father, son, friend and community member. He is dependable and loyal. He is calm and methodical under pressure to keep everyone safe.

Thank you Todd for your bravery, generous spirit & dedication to community.

If you know a paramedic or firefighter who goes above and beyond to serve his or her community – please nominate them for a Hero of the Month profile. We publish a new one on the first of every month and have a goal to profile firefighters from every community in Minnesota. Visit firefightersforhealing.org/heroofthemonth