Richard Geike, Nisswa fire chief, learned Tuesday night he was the 2008 Nisswa Citizen of the Year.
A group was to surprise Geike with the announcement at the Nisswa Fire Hall, where a routine fire meeting was being held.
Geike has been a Nisswa firefighter for more than 20 years, and chief for about 10 years.
Volunteer firefighters signed a list as "Firemen for Chief Geike nomination as Citizen of the Year." Mike Hemmerich, a firefighter for 22 years, praised Geike's dedication to the job over the years.
In a separate nomination letter, Nisswa Mayor Brian Lehman said, "Rich doesn't look for recognition and he gets things done for the fire department, including making sure that all the firemen stay current on their required certifications. He also coordinates, with the city council, the budget that is required to keep a thriving volunteer fire department running for the Nisswa area."
Lehman wrote, "Rich also, very quietly, helps out with many Nisswa events providing firewood and coordinating safety for our visitors, guests and citizens."
Lehman said Geike helped at the inaugural Run for the Lakes Marathon last spring, and helps at the fishing tournament during the Winter Jubilee.
Nisswa park director Paula Anderson and police officer Jason Boelter also wrote nomination letters.
Anderson praised Geike's leadership abilities.
"He volunteers many hours for the Nisswa Fire Department, going above and beyond the call of duty," Anderson wrote. "If there is a storm, it is not unusual to find Richard out clearing the roads of debris. For years he has supplied the chamber with firewood for the wood-splitting contest and the Nisswa City of Lights bonfires."
Anderson said Geike does so much behind-the-scenes work for the city, and doesn't ask for recognition.
Boelter wrote, "Richard has made a huge sacrifice to the community for many years by his service as a fireman, specifically the fire chief, and it is time he is recognized for it."
Boelter has worked with Geike on the Toys for Tots campaign, where Geike dresses as Santa to deliver toys to children.
"It's always been very comforting for me to have him there on the scene (of an accident or fire) because he knows what he's doing. They're in good hands," Boelter said.
Geike owns Fritz's Resort in Nisswa, which his father, Fritz Geike, started.
Geike will be recognized as Nisswa Citizen of the Year on Oct. 9 at the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce fall dinner at Cragun's.
2007, Mark Ulm; 2006, Lenny Hodgson; 2005, George Holtan; 2004, Dell Draves; 2003, Robert Holland; 2002, Dick Carlson; 2001, Ingrid Anderson; 2000, Harold Kraus; 1999, Jerry and Ruth Peltier; 1998, Mark Ronnei; 1997, Bernice Hinkie; 1996, Bob Sheplee; 1995, Terry McGaughey; 1994, Jack Warden; 1993, Marv Koep; 1992, Howard Wallentine; 1991, Bob Hurst; 1990, Dick Cook; 1989, Jim Dullum; 1988, Scott "Mike" Thurlow.
