Since its inception in 2016, the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) has been dedicated to providing Minnesota’s firefighters with the resources they need to prioritize and protect their health. The statewide advocacy organization focuses on the three health problems most commonly experienced by those in the fire service: cardiovascular disease, emotional trauma and cancer.
MnFIRE has been a prominent advocate for increasing state funding for firefighter health, and in 2021, orchestrated the passage of the most comprehensive firefighter well-being legislation in the nation: The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. This includes a MnFIRE Assistance Program with expanded emotional trauma resources, an up-to-$20,000 critical illness policy, and ongoing health and wellness training – all provided to Minnesota firefighters for free.
MnFIRE has taken an innovative, inclusive and tenacious approach to unify and spark discussions, along with driving action among Minnesota firefighters, their families, their communities and state policymakers regarding firefighter health.
MnFIRE educates firefighters about their higher risks for cardiac issues, emotional trauma and cancer, and educates them about preventative measures and resources to ensure long, productive careers and lives. These in-person and online trainings are led by health experts and fellow firefighters, and thanks to the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, are available to every Minnesota fire department for free.
Minnesota firefighters and their families can also call our 24-hour hotline for confidential support, guidance and information about health resources and benefits: 888-784-6634.
DeeDee Jankovich serves as the Interim Executive Director for MnFIRE. She has also been the Executive Director of the Minnesota State Fire Department Association (MSFDA) since 2011. Having been in a fire service family for over 20 years, DeeDee has a firsthand understanding of the trials and tribulations that come with being a firefighter spouse. DeeDee manages the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program grant.
Mike Dobesh has been in the fire service since 1996, and recently retired as the Fire Chief for the Richfield Fire Department. As an active member of multiple other committees and work groups, Mike is passionate about firefighter health, safety, enhancing training, and expanding leadership within the fire service and all of its strategic partners. Mike currently serves on the Minnesota Type III Incident Management team, was Past-President of the Hennepin Fire Chiefs Association and is a co-founder of MnFIRE.
Amber Lage is the Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the Minneapolis Fire Department, where she has proudly served for over 26 years. Throughout her career, she has held the ranks of firefighter, fire motor operator, captain, staff captain and deputy chief. She is a current board member for the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board where she represents professional firefighters. Though Amber’s specialty is in EMS, she has a genuine dedication in keeping firefighters safe and healthy.
Ed Hoffman currently serves as Fire Chief for the Owatonna Fire Department, and is also the city’s emergency manager and safety coordinator. He has over 35 years of experience as a volunteer and paid-on-call firefighter. He has served on the MSFDA board since 2007. Previously, he served for five years as the Public Safety Commander for the City of Mankato, heading up all training for the Department of Public Safety Fire Service, including technical rescue, HAZMAT and fire. Prior to his work in the fire service, Ed worked in IT for 25 years. Ed has been a MnFIRE instructor since 2019.
Ken Bence has devoted his life to public health, public safety, and public service. Professionally, he has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare sector, working with technology, managed care and advocacy organizations to improve people’s health and address disparities. He has also spent over 20 years in the paid-on-call fire service, and retired as a Battalion Chief with the Golden Valley Fire Department in 2025. Over the course of his career, he has served on numerous commissions, task forces and nonprofit boards, including the American Lung Association of Minnesota, the Minnesota Public Health Association, and the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative.
Jen Elleraas joined the MnFIRE board in 2026, having served as a MnFIRE peer supporter since March 2022. She is a firefighter and EMT with the Crosslake Fire Department and has served in the fire service since 2019, previously holding leadership roles including captain and assistant chief with the Garrison Fire Department. She is the founder of Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota and passionate about recruiting women to join the fire service. She brings over 20 years of leadership experience in human services and is the 2025 Whelen Everyday Champion and 2024 Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association Fire Officer of the Year for cities under 10,000.
Caleb Feine joined the MnFIRE board in 2026 after contributing to the mission as an instructor for many years. He currently serves as assistant fire chief for the Rochester Fire Department where he 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.
Scott Vadnais has been in the fire service for 32 years. He has been with the Edina Fire Department since 1997 and is currently a Lieutenant on the C-shift. He spent 12 years at the White Bear Lake Fire Department where he served as a paid-on-call paramedic/lieutenant. Scott has been the union President of Edina Local 1275 since 2008 and serves as the President of the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters, representing over 2,000 full-time firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers throughout the state. Scott’s a founding member of Minnesota Task Force 1, the state structural collapse rescue team. He also serves as a service representative for the International Association of Fire Fighters.
This is all made possible through collaboration with the Minnesota Professional Firefighters (MPFF), Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA), the Minnesota State Fire Department Association (MSFDA), Northland F.O.O.L.S, as well as our generous donors and volunteers.
The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. Tax/EIN number: 38-4049248
