Miles for MnFIRE Day 2: Esko to Mahtowa

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Esko, Mahtowa, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 2:

Starting location: Esko, MN
Finish for the day: Mahtowa, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 63°F and misty

Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode started day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul. On Sunday, Sept. 14, the team began at the Willard Munger State Trail near Esko, Minn.

Keeping a steady pace of approximately 19 minutes per mile, Foote and Bode made various stops to recharge, including a longer break at Carlton Fire Department, where Chief Derek Wolf chatted with the walkers and Wired Loon Coffee supplied some delicious fresh muffins.

The team finished the day in Mahtowa and was joined by Marley the service dog for the last leg of the journey!

The story of Miles for MnFIRE continues to reach every corner of our state. As the walk and coverage continues (including a new story by KARE 11 on its website), we’re excited to share that Miles for MnFIRE has raised $35,250 so far. We appreciate all of the support as we aim for our goal of $100,000. For more details or to donate, click here.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as our walkers, Doug and Kyle, head toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 21. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

Photos by Ric Rosow

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Give to the Max Day is in one week! 🗓️

We all rely on firefighters to be there for us when we need help – you can help them in return by making a donation to MnFIRE. Your gift supports MnFIRE in equipping Minnesota’s 20,000 active firefighters and their families with life-changing mental health resources, such as critical crisis response services.

Consider giving to MnFIRE this month: www.givemn.org/organization/Mnfire

GiveMN.org #GTMD25 #GTMD
... See MoreSee Less

Give to the Max Day is in one week! 🗓️

We all rely on firefighters to be there for us when we need help – you can help them in return by making a donation to MnFIRE. Your gift supports MnFIRE in equipping Minnesota’s 20,000 active firefighters and their families with life-changing mental health resources, such as critical crisis response services.

Consider giving to MnFIRE this month: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Mnfire  

GiveMN.org #GTMD25 #GTMD

Lung cancer affects firefighters at higher rates than the general population, and you may know someone who has been personally impacted by occupational cancers such as lung cancer. In the event of a diagnosis, MnFIRE resources can provide relief.

All active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in MnFIRE’s Critical Illness Program and are eligible to receive a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 after diagnoses of critical illnesses like lung cancer.

Learn more and file a claim: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI

#LungCancerAwarenessMonth
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Lung cancer affects firefighters at higher rates than the general population, and you may know someone who has been personally impacted by occupational cancers such as lung cancer. In the event of a diagnosis, MnFIRE resources can provide relief.

All active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in MnFIRE’s Critical Illness Program and are eligible to receive a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 after diagnoses of critical illnesses like lung cancer.

Learn more and file a claim: https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI 

#LungCancerAwarenessMonth

Firefighters are exposed to traumatic stress at particularly high rates, and getting help from someone who has lived similar experiences can make all the difference.

That's where MnFIRE's Peer Support Program comes in. MnFIRE peer supporters are here to provide confidential support to those experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems, and one of them can help you today. Call 888-784-6634 or learn more at mnfireinitiative.com/peer-support/

#NationalStressAwarenessDay
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Firefighters are exposed to traumatic stress at particularly high rates, and getting help from someone who has lived similar experiences can make all the difference.

Thats where MnFIREs Peer Support Program comes in. MnFIRE peer supporters are here to provide confidential support to those experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems, and one of them can help you today. Call 888-784-6634 or learn more at https://mnfireinitiative.com/peer-support/

#NationalStressAwarenessDay

It's the season of thanks – and we are always thankful for our state's hometown heroes. GiveMN.org's Give to the Max Day is an opportune time to show gratitude and appreciation for those who sacrifice so much for our communities.

Your individual donation to MnFIRE on Give to the Max Day supports Minnesota firefighters by bolstering our mental health and emotional trauma services such as our crisis response work, critical incident stress management, debriefing, suicide prevention, trauma processing and more.

Early giving has begun – you can make a difference in the lives in Minnesota firefighters TODAY. Learn more and donate here: www.givemn.org/organization/Mnfire

#GTMD25 #GTMD
... See MoreSee Less

Its the season of thanks – and we are always thankful for our states hometown heroes. GiveMN.orgs Give to the Max Day is an opportune time to show gratitude and appreciation for those who sacrifice so much for our communities.

Your individual donation to MnFIRE on Give to the Max Day supports Minnesota firefighters by bolstering our mental health and emotional trauma services such as our crisis response work, critical incident stress management, debriefing, suicide prevention, trauma processing and more. 

Early giving has begun – you can make a difference in the lives in Minnesota firefighters TODAY. Learn more and donate here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Mnfire 

#GTMD25 #GTMD
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