148th Firefighter Awarded Minnesota First Responder of the Year

148th Fighter Wing fire protection specialist and St. Paul firefighter, Staff Sgt. Mason Conlin (second from left) poses for a photo with his father Sean Conlin (left), mother Jodi Conlin (second from right), and St. Paul Mayor, Melvin Carter (right), at a ceremony on Nov. 7, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn., that recognized Conlin and his partner, Jacob Ryks, as Minnesota’s First Responders of the Year. Conlin and his partner Jacob Ryks were recognized by the non-profit Minnesota 100 Club for their efforts, as St. Paul firefighters, to save five children during a home fire on Jan. 3, 2024. The First Responder of the Year recognition was presented by St. Paul Mayor, Melvin Carter; St. Paul Fire Chief, Butch Inks; and Minnesota 100 Club Executive Directors, Julie Gotham. Family, friends, and fellow fire fighters also attended the ceremony. (courtesy photo)