Pastor Erickson: ‘I Thought it was a Mistake’ Winning 2017 Citizen of the Year Award

“I thought there had been a mistake. I couldn’t believe that I would be the winner. There are so many good deserving people here,” that’s what the 2017 outstanding citizen of the year winner said.

Taken by surprise the Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor, James Erickson accepted his award in front of more than 630 people Thursday night.

Pastor Erickson’s family was present to witness his huge win, but there was one special person missing, his brother.

Erickson’s brother sent a video to share in on the joy. Originally from South Dakota, Erickson has been apart of the Alpena community for over 19 years.

So if you as the Citizen of the Year what his plans are for 2018, Pastor Erickson said, “Just to keep on serving the lord.”