The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) is excited to welcome two new board members to our leadership team. In January 2026, Jen Elleraas and Caleb Feine were officially voted onto the board of directors, both of whom have established histories with MnFIRE.
Elleraas, a firefighter and EMT with the Crosslake Fire Department, has served as a MnFIRE peer supporter since March 2022. She joined the fire service in 2019 and has held various leadership roles including captain and assistant chief with the Garrison Fire Department. She is also the founder of Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota, demonstrating her passion for recruiting more women to enter the fire service.
“I’m humbled to be trusted to advocate for and stand behind my brothers and sisters in the fire service,” said Elleraas. “It is truly an honor to continue living out and advancing the mission and legacy MnFIRE has created to protect firefighters in Minnesota.”
Elleraas’ professional background includes over 20 years of leadership experience in human services. She is the 2025 Whelen Everyday Champion and 2024 Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association Fire Officer of the Year for cities under 10,000.
Caleb Feine has also invested many years contributing to the MnFIRE mission as a MnFIRE instructor and peer supporter. Following in the footsteps of several family members, he joined the fire service in 2006. In his current role as assistant fire chief for the Rochester Fire Department, Feine oversees operations – prioritizing strong, compassionate leadership centered on the physical and mental well-being of all first responders. He is also the Assistant State Director of Minnesota for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
“Joining the MnFire Board of Directors is a true honor,” said Feine. “Like many in the fire service, my goal is to leave it better than I found it, and serving on this influential board provides a meaningful way to make that impact.”
Elleraas and Feine join President Mike Dobesh, Vice President Amber Lage, Treasurer Ed Hoffman, Secretary Ken Bence and Scott Vadnais on the MnFIRE Board of Directors.
“The momentum we have moving into 2026 is exciting,” says Dobesh. “Jen and Caleb have made valuable contributions to MnFIRE over the years and their passion and dedication to the health and wellness of Minnesota’s fire service is evident. We’re grateful for their willingness to further our mission by serving in this capacity.”
George Esbensen and John Wolff, both MnFIRE co-founders and former officers on the board of directors, have ended their board terms but will stay connected to MnFIRE and its mission through a new advisory board.
