This confidential, free service is available for all active volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time Minnesota firefighters. Phone lines are answered 24/7 and provide confidential support, guidance and mental health resources.
MnFIRE peer supporters are trained volunteers who provide confidential support to their fire service brothers and sisters experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems. In addition to helping firefighters cope with difficult calls or life problems like divorce or a death in the family, this team is reducing the long-standing culture of silence in the fire service.
The MnFIRE Peer Support Program includes a diverse team of peer supporters from all over Minnesota, because getting help from someone with similar experiences can make all the difference. We’re actively recruiting volunteers who are:
MnFIRE peer supporters are well-equipped to support their fire service community. All active MnFIRE peer supporters must complete a minimum of 30 hours of training to comply with Minnesota Statute 181.9731 on Public Safety Peer Counseling.
MnFIRE Peer Support training includes three training blocks:
We host these trainings throughout the year. Once you have completed all three blocks, you will be done with the initial training requirements and can start helping your fire service community as a peer supporter.
Contact Rochelle Hawthorne, MnFIRE Peer Support Program Manager, to learn more.
Sign up for the MnFIRE Insider newsletter for upcoming Peer Support training sessions.