When emergency calls come into Bloomington Fire Station 3, firefighter and EMT Eric Peterson is ready to help. In 2025, his dedication and teamwork earned him Bloomington Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year award.
Peterson joined the department in 2021 as a paid-on-call firefighter before becoming a full-time firefighter and EMT in 2023. He serves on the department’s Technical Rescue Team and has earned certifications in firefighting, hazardous materials response and specialized rescue operations.
Before joining the fire service, Peterson worked as a carpenter for 15 years and later supervised aircraft refueling crews at MSP Airport. Today, he says helping neighbors is what makes the job meaningful.
“As a firefighter I get the opportunity to help people solve their problems on a daily basis,” Peterson said. “Serving the city where I live, I have the opportunity to help my neighbors.”
Peterson credits his teammates, department leadership and family for supporting him in a demanding career. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, bike rides and spending time with his wife Becky and their son.
