With 15 years of fire service experience under his belt, Austin Radinzel, who is currently a firefighter and paramedic in St. Paul, knows the toll this job can take on people. Recognizing the struggle many face both on and off the job, he was inspired to become a trained peer supporter through MnFIRE nearly two years ago.

He encourages anyone who is having a hard time to reach out to the MnFIRE Peer Support Program for confidential support and assistance. He knows getting things off your chest can greatly help. He’s also an advocate for getting outside, being active and treating yourself to things you enjoy.

Read more about Austin’s story below:

Tell us about your role and history with the fire service.

My career started at a volunteer fire department in Wisconsin, where I worked for five years while I earned my paramedic license. Once completed, I went to work for Hennepin County Medical Center as a paramedic for four years. Now over the last six years, I’ve been with the St. Paul Fire Department, currently as the senior firefighter/paramedic on Engine/Medic 7, serving the east side of St. Paul.

When and why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

We all know this job is hard, and that one thing might affect someone differently than another. I became a peer supporter nearly two years ago to be a resource for fire service members who are struggling or don’t know what to do. I want to be a resource and others to know it’s without judgment. Too often we hear a little too late or don’t notice that our peers are struggling. I hope that in their moment of need, they remember they can reach out for confidential support. 

What has been most helpful in your role as a peer supporter?

It’s been great to receive training and support to better understand and be able to assist fellow fire service members with whatever they have going on – big or small. It’s definitely opened my eyes to see how many people are out there who want to help others during times of crisis.

What advice can you offer fellow firefighters who may be struggling with their mental health?

Get some sleep. Our jobs are demanding and create a chronic build-up of sleep deprivation and that has a plethora of side effects. Go for a walk or even just sit or stand outside for a few minutes each day. Practice some slow breathing and try to enjoy peaceful moments. Put your body in motion. You don’t need to be super creative. Just go for a walk, run, do a home workout, hit the gym, hike, swim – anything to get your body moving and your blood pumping.

Find something you enjoy and make it a priority to do it regularly, something that helps you decompress. If things are still piling up or something is really clinging to you, please reach out to MnFIRE Peer Support, your family, friends or a doctor. Just talking can help more than you might realize, and we are here to assist.

For those interested in becoming a peer supporter, what should they know about the role?

It can be a rewarding role to help people navigate a difficult situation or problem. But it also can be very stressful as you are dealing with a peer who is at a low point. Fortunately, MnFIRE provides great training that gives us the tools to manage and assist others.

What qualities do you think make a good peer supporter? 

Being a good listener is key. We mostly just listen and allow peers to get stuff off their chests. Empathy and having an open mind also help to be able to see things from another person’s point of view and realize that everything affects people differently.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of the fire service?

Outside of the fire service, I enjoy snowboarding, snowmobiling, skydiving, tending to my bonsai trees, fishing, hiking and video games. I keep myself busy working on anything and everything with an engine (cars, motorcycles, chainsaws and more). I enjoy getting outside and breathing in that fresh air, regardless if it’s 80 or -20 degrees here in Minnesota!

Connect with confidential peer support

MnFIRE Peer Support matches firefighters and family members with trained peer supporters who have a similar background – from rank to size and type of department – and know firsthand the stressors firefighters face, both on and off the job. To access MnFIRE Peer Support, contact 888-784-6634 at any time and select option 2.

Based on a presentation at the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum by Megan Lautz, MS, RDN, CSCS, TSAC-F

Think about your interactions with food in a firehouse. Whether you are part of a full-time, part-time, paid-on-call or volunteer fire department, the way firefighters gather around food is much the same.

Meals are quickly prepared, served in large portions, and oftentimes crews are eating on the go. Food is typically higher in fat, low in fiber, featuring red meat and processed foods. There may be donuts and other sweets, often donated by the community or made by a crew member’s family. Overall, it’s typically not an environment that prioritizes nutritious foods and healthy diets.

But to be a healthier, well-fueled firefighter, you don’t need to overhaul your diet. You just need to make a few smaller changes. Here are three nutrition-based ideas that will contribute to a healthier firehouse culture and a healthier you.

Plant-focused diet

There have been several nutrition trends that have encouraged a plant-heavy diet. For many firefighters, that sounds as miserable as fingernails moving across a chalkboard. But the antioxidants in plant-based foods are very helpful to those in the fire service.

Using the Mediterranean diet as a guide can offer balance. Recipes are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins, and are more easily adopted into a firefighter’s active lifestyle.

Add in more fiber

High fiber foods will keep crews sustained better during long calls while also helping regulate cholesterol and blood glucose and reducing cancer risk. To easily increase fiber intake, find ways to add fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans and legumes to meals and snacks. A good metric to reach for daily is 25g of fiber for women, 38g for men.

What is on the counter matters

A few simple changes can support making healthier choices without even thinking. One easy way is to omit counter offerings.

Instead of leaving donuts or other baked goods out on display, where you might mindlessly walk by and grab one simply out of boredom, put treats in a cupboard. Having to take the extra step of opening a cabinet door will reduce unconscious intake. And in its place on the counter, set out a basket of apples and bananas, a veggie tray with hummus, or nuts and trail mix.

In one study where a fire department made this simple change with healthier options more visually available and the treats kept out of sight, firefighters ate an extra pound of produce per shift.

Overall, the key to a healthier diet is to start, and to start small. You can have some great results with a few minor adjustments to your eating habits.

If you’d like to check out some firehouse recipes that are healthy and delicious, you can sign up for Megan Lautz’s free recipe book here.

Schedule a nutrition training for your department

Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, MnFIRE offers a free deep dive training centered on fitness & nutrition at no cost to departments. Learn more here.

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.

Contributed by MnFIRE Medical Director Zeke McKinney, MD, MHI, MPH

Firefighters perform several gear and systems checks to make sure everything is ready when the alarm sounds. Regular inspections of engines, hoses, tanks and turnout gear help ensure proper maintenance and peak performance. The same should be true for their own bodies.

Firefighters face several health risks at a greater rate than the general population, including cardiac disease, cancer and emotional trauma. With yearly checkups, you can stay ahead of potential health risks, keeping you stronger while serving and healthier in retirement.

Here are four reasons why every firefighter should get an annual physical:

1. Early detection: An annual physical can help detect heath concerns before they become problematic, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. These conditions will not cause symptoms until they are severe. Unchecked, conditions like these can lead to major health issues and be detrimental to your daily life and longevity.
2. Heart health matters: Cardiac events are the number one cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters. Extreme heat, heavy gear and intense exertion on the fire ground put a severe strain on your cardiovascular system. By receiving regular checkups and monitoring your cardiovascular system, you can reduce your chances of cardiac events.
3. Establish a baseline: It’s well documented that there are several carcinogens firefighters face, including smoke, diesel exhaust and chemical residue. While proper PPE practices are helpful, the ongoing exposure is concerning, and only compounds with your time in the fire service. Having a yearly checkup can give your healthcare team a good baseline to watch for any changes or health trends over the years.
4. Improve your performance: There are several challenges firefighters face that can reduce not just your performance on a call, but also your general quality of life. Sleep disruption, irregular and unhealthy eating habits, dehydration patterns and the stress load are common in the fire service. Talking to your doctor about healthier choices or habits in some of these areas can improve your stamina, focus, and recovery time between calls.

Bottom line: Getting an annual physical is good preventive maintenance. A one-hour check once a year from a physician who can diagnose and monitor conditions that can be more common in firefighters and can add years to your ability to serve – and your life.

Get started

This checklist can help health care providers in a firefighter’s annual evaluation, treatment and ongoing health and wellness monitoring. The recommendations in this document are supported by ongoing clinical research of firefighters’ health and by the extensive experience and expertise of the providers caring for them.

Additionally, The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer (NFR) is working to collect data to help better understand health trends and reduce the risk of cancer among U.S. firefighters. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is recruiting firefighters to join the NFR so that we can better understand the link between firefighting and cancer. The registry is open to all U.S. firefighters with or without cancer, no matter your length of service, and it only takes five minutes to get started.

Stacy-Lent volunteer firefighter Eric Coen felt “major stress” when he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2024.

“I had chemo once a week, radiation five days a week,” said Coen. “And then you get home and you go, ‘What am I going to do?’”

After noticing a lump in his throat, followed by swollen lymph nodes that wouldn’t go away, Coen made a call to his doctor. Nine weeks and dozens of tests later, he received confirmation that he had throat cancer that would require extensive radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

It was a lot for Coen and his wife to unexpectedly process. They were told he could experience pain, weight loss, difficulty speaking and damage to his teeth. He knew he was in for a demanding journey and would need to be fully focused on his treatment plan, so Coen stepped away from his day job and filed for short term disability.

“It felt grueling, every 30 days you’re doing more paperwork and more phone calls. And it’s just stuff you don’t want to have to deal with,” said Coen. “But help from MnFIRE was one phone call, one form that I sent in. And a few weeks later, I received a check in the mail.”

Coen learned about the critical illness benefit through a Hometown Heroes Assistance Program flyer displayed at his fire department. With the Stacy-Lent Fire Department being volunteer-based, there are no health benefits or an EAP available for those firefighters. That’s the case for 97% of departments across the state of Minnesota.

Coen says applying for MnFIRE’s up-to-$20,000 critical illness benefit was the easiest part of his cancer journey.

“It’s an amazing program. I don’t know how else I can say it,” said Coen. “MnFIRE probably saved my home.”

Now in remission, Coen has returned to normal life, focusing on his health, regaining strength and, once again, volunteering with the Stacy-Lent Fire Department. He takes every opportunity available to share his story with fellow firefighters, along with the importance of prioritizing health and wellness and using MnFIRE’s resources.

“It was mind boggling that it was that simple. I tell everybody that I know, ‘Use MnFIRE,’” said Coen. “It’s a massive benefit that you don’t realize you have until you need it. And if you need it, you’re going to be glad they run it.”

Critical Illness Program details

As part of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, all active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in a statewide critical illness insurance policy which covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac, PTSD and other critical illnesses, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses like medical bills and travel costs to and from specialist visits. To be considered eligible, a firefighter’s diagnosis must have occurred while they were an active firefighter, and they have one year from the date of diagnosis to file the claim.

For more information or to file a claim, call 888-784-6634 or visit securian.com/mnfire-insurance.

Over two impactful days, the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum brought together Minnesota’s fire service at Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia for engaging and practical conversations about firefighter health and wellness. The forum, presented by MnFIRE, creates a space to focus on the unique physical, mental and emotional demands that firefighters, and their families, face.

Expert speakers addressed prevention, resilience, emotional well-being and long-term health:

Dr. Margaret Gavian outlined the harmful historical trend in the fire service to suppress stress and trauma, and shared holistic health strategies that encourage whole system recovery and healing.

Aaron Zamzow, a firefighter and EMT, presented ways to create a fit and healthy department culture, focusing on functional fitness and building resiliency.

Megan Lautz, a registered dietician, shared custom nutrition and hydration tactics for maximum performance and recovery.

MnFIRE Medical Director Dr. Zeke McKinney presented the latest information on cardiac health and occupational cancer in the fire service, with proactive ways to prevent and protect from cancer and cardiac disease, including the importance of getting an annual physical.

Jen Elleraas, Crosslake firefighter and MnFIRE peer supporter, also presented at the forum. Peer supporters are trained to provide confidential support to peers and bridge firefighters to professional help when needed. To encourage others to step into this role, Elleraas presented on the importance of peer supporters when fellow firefighters are facing mental health challenges and need outside support. She also talked about how their contributions are shifting fire department cultures by encouraging firefighters to seek help when they need it.

In another breakout session, firefighter spouses and partners connected with Dr. Michelle Sherman, clinical psychologist and author of “Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma.” Dr. Sherman shared tools to cope with difficult emotions and strategies to empower loved ones, including those who have experienced trauma or PTSD, which firefighters experience at a higher rate than the general public. During lunch Dr. Sherman and DeAnne Sherman, her mother and co-author, autographed books and visited one-on-one with firefighters and firefighter family members.

Following another successful Forum, 100% of attendees who responded to the post-event survey stated they are likely or very likely to recommend the health forum to others.

“From training and discussion to celebration and camaraderie, it was a privilege to gather Minnesota’s fire service at Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia,” says Mike Dobesh, MnFIRE president. “The health issues that MnFIRE focuses on, like cardiac, cancer and emotional wellness, have plagued the fire service since its origin. It’s MnFIRE’s mission to change the trajectory we have historically been on, and I’m proud to see so many firefighters starting to take more time to focus on themselves and their health.”

The MnFIRE team is so grateful to the incredible presenters and attendees who made this year’s Firefighter Health Forum a success! For more information on no-cost health and wellness trainings for your fire department, offered through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, click here.

 

MnFIRE’s Peer Support Program provides a crucial service and lifeline to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters and their families when help and support are needed most.

Cory DeWitte, a captain for the Montrose Fire Department, has been an active fire service member since 2012. He naturally moved into a leadership role two years ago and works closely with others to lead the department of 22 volunteer firefighters.

During an internal meeting nearly a decade ago, Cory raised his hand to learn more about MnFIRE’s Peer Support network. After attending the peer support training, he hasn’t looked back. Read below about Cory’s experience and why becoming a peer supporter has been a rewarding part of this role.

Tell us a little about yourself – your family, history with the fire service and day job.

I stay very busy with family, work and volunteer commitments! I’m married and have two boys, ages 20 and 17, and I enjoy coaching youth sports, including trap.

As a longtime fire service member, our department responds to calls to suppress fires, protect life and property and assist with medical emergencies, such as performing first aid and medical treatment until an ambulance arrives. In addition to training for emergency situations, I have my state certification in Firefighter I and II, HazMat Operations, FAO, Officer, Instructor and EMR.

As a captain, I oversee one of our teams and am responsible for planning and operations. Our full department meets three Tuesdays per month for staff meetings, truck maintenance planning and various training sessions. I spend roughly 10 hours per week on my fire service responsibilities, with roughly six to seven of those hours at the station. Since we are a small team, everyone is asked to step up and do their part.

For my day job, I work as a programming manager at Sackett-Waconia, a technology and equipment manufacturer that supports the fertilizer industry.

When and why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter? 

When I first learned about MnFIRE’s Peer Support Program, I was immediately drawn to it since I wanted to become more involved in taking care of our “own.” Now it’s been 10 years, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my fire service career.

Over the years, I’ve learned how great a need there is for this type of service for firefighters. We see extremely tough situations and many of us don’t talk about them for fear we’ll be seen as weak.

More firefighters could benefit from talking with a trained peer supporter and/or a therapist. I personally appreciated talking with a therapist for several months who helped me develop more tools in my toolbox.

What are the most rewarding and surprising parts of your role as a peer supporter?

The most rewarding has been assisting fellow firefighters to receive the help they need and get back to a new normal. The amount of time that I spend supporting someone can greatly vary depending on the individual’s needs and healing process. When I don’t get a text or a call for a while, that’s often a sign someone is on the right path and no longer needs my support – and that’s a great feeling.  If I can help save one firefighter – it’s 100% worth it.

As for the most surprising element, it’s learning about the different situations or triggers that cause people to struggle. It’s not always the result of a horrific call. Sometimes it’s the compounding of ongoing tough calls along with other life demands and challenges, and one unexpected trigger can set everything off. Every person is different and there’s no one story that’s the same.

What should others who want to become a peer supporter know?

Be prepared to learn about yourself along this journey. And be ready to put in some time and give it 100% of your attention when you’re in support mode. If someone doesn’t have ample time, they shouldn’t volunteer for this role. It’s unfair to those who are reaching out in crisis.

It’s also important to have your own support system. My family knows when I take calls that I need privacy and uninterrupted space. They know I’m passionate about mental health and that it’s important to me to give back to fellow firefighters in this way.

I’m also fortunate that my dad, who has been an emergency medical service member for 30 years, understands this world. I often turn to him after challenging calls.

Lastly, it has been helpful to check in with MnFIRE’s Peer Support program manager to make sure I’m on the right track after a call or to ask for guidance on different situations.

What advice can you offer fellow firefighters who may be struggling with their mental health?

If you’re struggling, you need to reach out and find help. Don’t hold back and try to choke down your pain. You need to talk with someone and build a tool set that will help guide and move you forward.

More firefighters and their families should be aware of MnFIRE’s Peer Support Program and other benefits, including five no-cost therapy sessions per year through the Hometown Heroes Assistant Program.

MnFIRE’s Peer Support Program is a safe, confidential space to talk about what you’re going through with someone who gets it. Get connected with a peer supporter by calling our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634 and selecting option 2.

MnFIRE was recently recognized for its swift and compassionate crisis response. On behalf of MnFIRE, Board President Mike Dobesh recently received a 2025 Partnership Award from the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS), an interagency group of state and federal partners that manage wildfire and all-risk incidents.

The honor recognizes MnFIRE’s exemplary response and support during the tragic line‑of‑duty death of wildland firefighter Isabella “Bella” Oscarson on September 26, 2025. MnFIRE, along with the organization’s mental health partner PRO Network, was one of the organizations that quickly stepped forward to provide vital resources and emotional support to Bella’s family and the Minnesota wildland fire community.

William Glesener, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife operations supervisor, noted deep appreciation for MnFIRE’s dedication and actions that match the values Bella lived by – teamwork, empathy and unwavering commitment to those who protect our lands and each other.

“We were greatly saddened by firefighter Oscarson’s line-of-duty death a few months ago. Moments like these remind us why MnFIRE’s ability to quickly deploy resources to support families and colleagues is so important,” said Dobesh. “Thank you for this recognition. We continue thinking of her loved ones during this difficult time.”

To learn more about our health and wellness resources for firefighters, including our Peer Support Program and no-cost counseling visits, please visit the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program page or call 888-784-6634.

The variety that comes with a fire service job is one of the reasons Tracy Terbell was excited to go to work every day. But after more than 20 years with the Minneapolis Fire Department and experiencing some highly traumatic calls, she started to struggle both on and off the job. As a result, Tracy turned to drinking to relieve some of the pressure.

She was unhappy, lost and knew she couldn’t continue down this path, so she started considering early retirement, but was worried about not having work to anchor her daily schedule and life.

Balloon popping inside

Eventually, in 2022, the burden became too much to handle. While at work one day, Tracy confided in her captain about her struggles and broke down in tears. In a supportive gesture, she was advised to go home but Tracy knew she could not be alone and stayed on for the remainder of her shift. She described the day like a “balloon popping,” as she was no longer able to contain her stress and sadness.

She initially worried about her “secret” being out among the department, but getting the word out and involving more people was a lifesaver for Tracy.

Access to support and resources

A fellow firefighter from Tracy’s rookie class was instrumental in helping her access the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program and navigate the initial calls to MnFIRE’s confidential helpline to receive her five no-cost therapy visits.

Once the door was open, she was paired with a therapist who met with her in person. At the time, it was hard for Tracy to leave her house, so in-person meetings with her therapist were critical for her path to becoming a stronger and healthier firefighter.

Building resilience and tools

Tracy credits MnFIRE and her therapist – who she still works with today – for her newfound resilience and the tools she’s equipped to use when times are tough. For example, on her second shift back after rehabilitation from a knee injury in 2023, she responded to a horrific, upsetting call and was better prepared to care for herself by applying the skills she had learned in therapy.

Tracy hopes the stigma around mental health, particularly for firefighters, continues to decrease, and admitting you need time and resources to work through traumatic experiences should be viewed as a healthy outlet by more people.

“Taking the first step and continuing with my therapy sessions has made me a better firefighter and a better crew member,” says Tracy. “The aftermath of some upsetting calls, compounded by other life experiences, was taking away my strength and competence on the job. I needed help.”

Since you can’t physically see a mental health crisis, it’s often hard for others to understand. Tracy compares it to finding a lump or other concerning physical symptoms that people seek medical attention for without hesitation. The same approach and outlook should be taken for emotional trauma.

Spreading the word about MnFIRE

Creating a more resilient first responder force is good for everyone. As Tracy says, we want and need healthy firefighters, police officers and emergency medical professionals showing up and ready to commit to critical calls and upholding public safety needs.

MnFIRE’s helpline is available 24-hours a day at 888-784-6634 for all active Minnesota firefighters and their families – select option 1 for no-cost counseling visits and option 2 for peer support. Check out our new video that shares an overview of these impactful resources in action.

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.