West Fargo Exchange Club hosts annual awards ceremony

By Wendy Reuer| The Focus

The West Fargo Exchange Club announced its annual award winners at a banquet, Tuesday, May 23.

Each year, the West Fargo Exchange Club names a Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year and a recipient of the Civic Excellence Award.

Officer Todd Pearson was recognized as the 2023 Police Officer of the Year and Training Chief Matt Berg was named the 2023 Firefighter of the Year.

The Civic Excellence Award recognizes citizens in West Fargo who have made a difference and made major contributions to making

West Fargo great. The West Fargo Civic Excellence Award was first presented in 2001 by the West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. The West Fargo Chamber merged with Fargo and Moorhead in 2011 and the new organization decided to no longer present this award so the Exchange Club took it over.

This year, business owner, and former longtime City Commissioner Mike Thorstad was presented the Civic Excellence Award.

Along with recognizing residents of West Fargo, the Exchange Club has four mission elements that it follows: Prevention of child abuse; community service; Americanism and youth.

With about 70 members and residents in attendance Tuesday, the Exchange Club also made a $10,000 donation to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.

The club awarded more than $3,500 in scholarships as well and supports the Dollars for Scholars. The club also organizes keeping Kids Cozy and donates clothing such as socks, sweatpants, underwear, boots, gloves, hats and snacks to each of the elementary schools for students who are in need.

The Exchange Club also hands out flags as part of the GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE project.

The West Fargo Exchange Club held its 2023 Community Awards luncheon at the Double Tree Hilton on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, to recognize contributions to the City of West Fargo. Awards were presented to Todd Pearson, Police Department Employee of the Year, Mike Thorstad, Civic Excellence Award, and Matt Berg, Firefighter of the Year. Dave Samson/The Focus