Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Richard Loveland and Judy Smith Thill to the Board of Firefighter Training and Education. Both members are reappointed to a four-year term that expires on January 2, 2012.

Loveland, of Moorhead, is a professional firefighter, emergency medical technician, and hazardous materials team member with the Moorhead Fire Department. He is also a fire training instructor and coordinator at Moorhead State Community and Technical College. He is a member of the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association executive board and is vice president of its northern district. Loveland, who has been a member of the board since 2007, is reappointed to a position for a professional firefighter representing the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters.

Smith Thill, of Eagan, is the chief of the Inver Grove Heights Fire Department. She was an on-call firefighter with the Eagan Fire Department for 19 years, where she served as its training officer and as its health and safety officer. Smith Thill is a member of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association, where she serves on the education committee, and has chaired the safety and health committee; is a member of the Minnesota State Fire Department Association, where she is a Region 1 representative, and member of its training committee; and is active with Minnesota State Fire Schools. Smith Thill, who has been a member of the board since 2006, is reappointed to a position for a career firefighter representing the Minnesota State Fire Department Association.

The Board of Firefighter Training and Education reviews fire service training needs, establishes standards for educational programs, and establishes qualifications for fire service training instructors. The Board consists of 15 members, including 14 appointed by the Governor.