2026 Firefighter Health Forum coming in January

The Minnesota fire service community will gather at Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, MN on Jan. 23-24 for in-depth health and wellness training at MnFIRE’s 2026 Firefighter Health Forum.

The 2026 Firefighter Health Forum will bring together health and wellness leaders to share informative tips and resources to help protect and empower firefighters – and their families – both on duty and at home. Last year, nearly 90% of attendees who took a post-event survey said they’d recommend future Firefighter Health Forums to others.

This year’s presenters include exciting and popular speakers like Aaron Zamzow and Dr. Margaret Gavian. Dr. Gavian will address holistic health in the fire service, and connect the dots between physical health, emotional stress and the work you love – so you can keep showing up without burning out. Zamzow is a Firefighter/EMT, certified personal trainer and founder of Fire Rescue Fitness. His sessions will focus on igniting a healthy and fit culture in your department and building resiliency with EMS and a dose of reality.

In addition to these sessions for all attendees, there is a deep dive track for firefighters, and a separate one for their partners and spouses.

For firefighters

Learn from industry-leading doctors, mental health professionals, trainers and fire service colleagues about the latest strategies for protecting and strengthening your physical and mental health in the fire service. We’ll have sessions exploring heart health, nutrition, cancer, sleep and more. Speakers include MnFIRE Medical Director Dr. Zeke McKinney and Megan Lautz, award-winning registered dietician and owner of RescueRD, which provides custom nutrition for fire departments nationwide.

For families

Firefighter spouses and partners will also enjoy a session specifically designed for them – focusing on strategies for supporting firefighter loved ones, identifying signs of concern, how trauma can affect the whole family and open communication around mental health.

Become a peer supporter

Peer supporter training will also be offered on site at the Firefighter Health Forum this year. Help your fellow firefighters as they navigate stress on the job and at home – join the MnFIRE Peer Support team! Training at the Forum includes Critical Incident Stress Management training and MnFIRE Peer Support-specific training (NOTE: peer supporters must also complete Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training to fulfill our training requirements and start working with peers). For details on how to register for this separate peer supporter track, please visit the event overview.

Register to attend

To register for the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum, visit Eventbrite.

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If you haven't heard yet, our MnFORE Golf Tournament, presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team, returns to Legends Club in Prior Lake, MN on Tuesday, July 14! 🏌️‍♂️

Hole sponsorships are still available! Consider leveraging this unique and meaningful promotional opportunity for your business or organization.

MnFORE fills up quickly, so reserve your spot today and support Minnesota firefighter health: mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/
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The fire service turned out with its most powerful showing yet for Fire Service Day at the Capitol on Monday, April 27. Over 130 fire service members and friends, including MnFIRE President Mike Dobesh, Interim Executive Director DeeDee Jankovich and board members Scott Vadnais, Ed Hoffman and Jen Elleraas, met with legislators to discuss important issues that impact firefighters statewide, including MnFIRE’s role in administering the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. ... See MoreSee Less

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It's World Day for Safety and Health at Work – an observance that goes hand in hand with our mission at MnFIRE. Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, we are proud to provide:

🔴 No-cost counseling visits and peer support
🔴 Up-to-$20,000 Critical Illness insurance policy
🔴 Ongoing health and wellness training

We'd love to support you or a firefighter in your life. Learn more here: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/
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Its World Day for Sa

Shoutout to Faribault Fire Department for recently completing cardiac health training! 🫀

Follow their lead and help your crew protect their cardiovascular health by signing up for a training: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
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Shoutout to Faribaul

Did you know MnFIRE offers a class specifically dedicated to emotional wellness? This session:

☑️ helps de-stigmatize talking about mental health in your department
☑️ provides practical information on how to debrief after a difficult call
☑️ recommends ways to maintain emotional well-being
☑️ covers MnFIRE resources available to support firefighters

Emotional wellness training is available to all Minnesota fire departments, at no cost to you or your crew: mnfireinitiative.com/training/

#StressAwarenessMonth
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