Community members are invited to attend the Exchange Club's 2025 Firefighter Appreciation banquet on October 9 at the Eagles; tickets are sold in advance at Kottke Jewelers, InstyPrints or contact an Exchange Club Member. For the past 23 years, the banquet has been held to honor all Owatonna firefighters for their contributions to the community. During the banquet, one firefighter is recognized as Firefighter of the Year for outstanding service to the community. Bonnie Hermel has been selected by the Fire Chief, with input from Fire Department staff and previous award recipients, as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year.