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 made its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Willow River, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ended today on Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.
Day 9
Starting location: White Bear Lake, MN
Finish: St. Paul, MN
Miles completed: 12
The weather report: 75 and sunny
On the final day of Miles for MnFIRE, it was all about celebrating and cheering on firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode as they completed their walk of more than 161 miles over a nine-day period to raise awareness of the health risks that firefighters face.
With the sun shining brightly, they completed another 12 miles on their walk that took them from White Bear Lake to St. Paul today. With their final miles in the Twin Cities area, many family, friends and fellow community firefighters showed up in a big way to support and walk with Foote and Bode during the last leg of their journey.
Members of the White Bear Lake Fire Department, Vadnais Heights Fire Department, Little Canada Fire Department, Excelsior Fire District, Minneapolis Fire Department and St. Paul Fire Department were represented along Sunday’s route.
On September 13, Foote and Bode started Miles for MnFIRE in Duluth and today, September 21, they crossed the finish line at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the State Capitol with the American flag beautifully risen between a St. Paul fire truck and a Minneapolis fire truck. A total of five fire trucks from St. Paul, Minneapolis and Excelsior lined up to celebrate and support their own on this amazing accomplishment.
MnFIRE President Mike Dobesh and Executive Director Rebecca Otto thanked everyone who helped plan and support the walk, including sponsors, volunteers, fire service family and friends, and the many communities that hosted the team along the route. They also presented Foote and Bode with crystal flame trophies to represent hope for the fire service and commemorate the experience. In total, they walked over 52 hours to complete the journey.
“This walk wasn’t about me or Doug,” says Bode. “It was about the health and wellness of all the firefighters in the state and I hope we brought more awareness to the need and the things MnFIRE is doing. I hope we’ve inspired firefighters to take their health and wellness seriously.”
“My only ask of all you firefighters is please, you’ve got to take care of yourselves,” says Foote. “We can’t be another statistic. We cannot. Please use MnFIRE. Please use each other. Because if not us, who?”
The story of their accomplishment will be heard far and wide. Multiple news outlets were at the finish line to capture the memorable moment, including WCCO 4 (CBS), KMSP 9 (FOX), KSTP 5 (ABC) and the Pioneer Press. In addition, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), KARE 11 (NBC), and WDIO (ABC) in Duluth are also expected to mention Miles for MnFIRE in news stories.
The walk is officially over but MnFIRE’s work continues — every day. If you’d like to support the nonprofit organization by making a financial donation, the pledge page for Miles for MnFIRE will remain open until October 1. Click here to make a contribution.
Some photos by Ric Rosow
