Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Eric L. Hedtke; and the reappointment of Natasha S. Carlson, Kelli Slavik, and Jeff Swanson to the Board of Firefighter Training and Education. All four are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 6, 2014.

Carlson, of Pequot Lakes, is the owner of Platinum Results Salon and Spa, and a volunteer firefighter with the Pequot Lakes Fire Department. She is a member of the Rapid Intervention Team, and has completed training programs in a variety of firefighter courses. Carlson has degrees from Aveda Institute in Minneapolis and Minnesota State Community and Technical College – Wadena. Carlson, who has been a member of the Board of Firefighter Training and Education since 2009, is reappointed as a volunteer firefighter member.

Hedtke, of Eagan, is an attorney with the Minnesota Association of Townships, a position he has held since 2006. Previously, he was an attorney in private practice from 2003 to 2006, an attorney with the League of Minnesota Cities from 2000 to 2003, and a law clerk for Fourth District Judge Tony Leung in Hennepin County from 1996 to 2000. Hedtke earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, and his bachelor of arts degree from St. Cloud State University. He is a member of the Governor’s Fire and Rescue Shared Services Task Force, and is an instructor on land use planning with Government Training Services. Hedtke replaces Daniel Greensweig on the Board of Firefighter Training and Education as a representative of townships.

Slavik, of Plymouth, is the mayor of Plymouth, a position she has held since 2007. Previously, she was a member of the Plymouth City Council from 1999 until her election as mayor, and was the council’s liaison to the Public Safety Advisory Board, Human Rights Commission, Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Wayzata School Board while on the city council. She has also been a paralegal with the Gray Plant Mooty Law Firm. Slavik is a member of the Plymouth Civic League and Oakwood Elementary PTA, and was a Hennepin County family law facilitator and Wayzata School District Budget Advisory Committee member. Slavik, who has been a member of the Board of Firefighter Training and Education since 2006, is reappointed as a representative of cities.

Swanson, of Detroit Lakes, is the chief of the Detroit Lakes Fire Department, a position he has held since 1986. Swanson was the assistant fire chief from 1982 to 1985, captain of the fire department from 1976 to 1981, and a firefighter from 1974 to 1975. Swanson also co-owns Swanson Repair Inc, and Swanson Repair and Rental. He is a member of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA), serves on its board of directors, and is a past chairman of the board as well as a past president of the MSFCA. He is also an emergency first responder and has worked for Dakota EMS/Detroit Lakes Ambulance Service. Swanson, who has been a member of the Board of Firefighter Training and Education since 2007, is reappointed as a representative of fire chiefs.

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.