MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Service over self is what two firefighters with the Minot Rural Fire Department embody. They were given the department's Firefighter of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards last weekend. Stuart Hammer, a fire inspector with the city of Minot, and an 11-year veteran with the Minot Rural Fire Department as a volunteer, says the award was a bit of a surprise for him. "It's one of those things that wasn't expected and one thing I'll note is that it doesn't say most valuable on that award. There's a lot of people here who are very valuable and I think it's kind of just moving past where I had kind of been and just stepping up and meeting the potential that I had," said Hammer. While Hammer says he was honored and humbled to receive the honor, he says it's really about the hard work of the men and women at Minot Rural. "You look at the others and see what they do and are really humbled by the recognition but at the same time don't feel as deserving some of the others might be for an award like that," said Hammer. People with heart disease are at higher risk of flu complications While fire departments like Minot Rural are a team effort, Hammer says being able to contribute to the department in any way he can means a lot. "They don't know what they've done for me in the last 11 years and to be able to provide that and anything I can help them with is a bonus," said Hammer. Evan Mineke, who is a probationary firefighter with Minot Rural, received the Rookie of the Year award after only being with the department for only three months. He says his motivation lies in helping those on their worst days. "You know people have their worst days and you're here to help them and that's what I strive for is helping people on their worst days, especially in this community," said Mineke. While Mineke says receiving the recognition so early was nice, he hopes to continue to learn from the many veterans that he works alongside. "Just want to learn everything about it. There's a lot of years of experience here that I just want to learn off of just open to anything here to learn and help the community," said Mineke. Minot Rural Fire Department says they will recognize the amazing work of its firefighters with awards next year too. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW