First responders must have excellent training. Such training not only is essential to a first responder but also to his or her teammates.

A local first responder is being honored for his work in training others.

The North Dakota Firefighter’s Association named Capt. Austin Burns of the Minot Fire Department its instructor of the year. He was scheduled to accept the award this past weekend at the NDFA instructor conference in Devils Lake.

Burns said in a news release from the City of Minot announcing his selection that he is honored to be named top instructor in North Dakota but he pointed out it is not something he has done on his own. He credits the entire team at the Minot Fire Department.

Working together is key in a department of first responders. At a moment’s notice they must drop whatever they are doing and rush out on a call, not knowing exactly what they will find when they get to the scene. At the scene and afterwards, everyone must work together – it’s teamwork. They save lives; they protect lives.

We congratulate Capt. Burns and the Minot Fire Department for their work in earning this award. We commend all first responders who train to make sure they have the skills that enable them to do the best job when they are called upon.