Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Willow River, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 5
Starting location: Groningen, MN
Finish for the day: Pine City, MN
Miles completed: 24
The weather report: 90°+ on the blacktop and direct sun

Day five on the Miles for MnFIRE journey proved one thing for sure: when two firefighters have a goal in mind, they will work together — and crush that goal.

Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health. The entire walk will take nine days, most of which are planned with approximately 18-mile stints. But today, day five of the journey, was a behemoth – nearly 24 miles in less-than-ideal conditions.

The day started out well in Groningen, but as the route moved through Hinckley and Mission Creek, the team had to turn away from the shady Willard Munger Trail and onto the black asphalt of Highway 23, the St. Croix Scenic Byway, and Old Highway 61, both blasted with direct sunlight.

But they did it, in good spirits, and finished in Pine City before the rainstorms hit. It wasn’t easy, but there were many bright spots in the day to boost their spirits. The biggest highlight was crossing the halfway mark of their journey.

“It feels really good to get over the midway point,” says Bode. “We had lots of friends join us today, which was nice. It helped take our mind off the walk.”

Joining Foote and Bode today were several retired and active firefighters, MnFIRE mental health providers from ProNetwork, and Gracy, a support-dog-in-training from Soldier 6. Because of her puppy-sized stride, once in a while Gracy caught a ride in a stroller.

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And, good news travels! Today, both the White Bear Press and Forest Lake Times published stories about Miles for MnFIRE. As the story of this journey continues to spread throughout Minnesota, we hope more people can join in supporting Foote, Bode, and the MnFIRE mission.

How can you do that? Your financial donation will help provide resources to Minnesota firefighters across the state. To contribute, click here. You are also welcome to join us on the Miles for MnFIRE trail. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here. And finally, we invite you to the finish line. The team is on schedule to finish at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul on Sunday, Sept. 21. Join us for the celebratory finish of this major accomplishment.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.

 

 

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Esko, Willow River, Groningen, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 4
Starting location: Sturgeon Lake, MN
Finish for the day: Groningen, MN
Miles completed: 18
The weather report: HOT! 85 and very sunny

Firefighters are used to heat, but today was “a bit of a grind,” as Miles for MnFIRE walker Doug Foote put it. With highs in the mid-80’s and bright, scorching sun, day four of the more than 150-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul was a display of endurance and resilience.

Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed an additional 18 miles of their walk, which is raising awareness and funds for firefighter health. They’ve now completed 70 miles total, with today’s stretch covering Sturgeon Lake to Groningen, MN.

Besides their sheer determination, the support system helping the walkers every day has been key to their success. Foote’s wife, Denise, and MnFIRE Executive Director Rebecca Otto have been present since the start in Duluth. They help with food and hydration, set up at rest stops and shave managed route planning. Their presence and attention to detail is enabling the walkers focus on their endurance and the true meaning of the event.

Today, Bode’s wife Kara surprised him on the trail! Kara owns a dance studio and with her commitments there, she wasn’t expected to appear during the Miles for MnFIRE journey until the finish.

“I thought maybe she’d surprise me at some point, but it was a surprise – and a very nice one,” says Bode. “I’ve been having a great time on this experience, and having her here, too, just makes it that much better.”

Another great support today were students from John W. Osborne Finlayson Elementary School. A group of K-6^th graders lined the school’s sidewalks, cheering on Foote and Bode with high-fives, fist bumps and smiles. Foote and Bode used the opportunity to take a short break, and talk with the students about health and wellness.

“We were quite tired and dehydrated at the time, but we knew that we were going to visit the Finlayson Elementary kids, and they didn’t disappoint,” says Foote. “As we rounded the corner with the Finlayson fire engine behind us, we saw all of the cheering kids and our spirits were immediately lifted. It was so awesome to see all of these wonderful teachers and kids coming out and their enthusiasm. It will no doubt be one of the high points of the walk.”

Tomorrow the team will hit their route halfway mark, as they attack over 25 miles on their most aggressive day of the entire trek.  If you’d like to show your support for this amazing team, here are a few ways:

• Donate to Miles for MnFIRE. We are still seeking sponsors and donors to help provide resources to Minnesota firefighters across the state. To contribute, click here.
• Join Doug and Kyle on the walk. You are welcome to cheer on or join Kyle and Doug as they walk through your community. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.
• Meet us at the finish line. The team is on track to approach the State Capitol in St. Paul on Sunday, Sept. 21 on their way to the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial, where they’ll finish their over 150-mile feat. We’d love to have you celebrate our walkers and honor the Minnesota fire service.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Esko, Sturgeon Lake, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 3:

Starting location: Mahtowa, MN
Finish for the day: Sturgeon Lake, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 75°F and humid

Logging just over 17 miles for the third day in a row, today Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote  and Kyle Bode walked from Mahtowa to Sturgeon Lake, completing day three of Miles for MnFIRE. So far, they’ve logged nearly 52 miles of the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul.

Two special flags are also making the journey to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial – one displaying the MnFIRE logo and another representing the fire service. At stops along the way, they are signed by people who want to show their support. Sometimes, people will write the name of a fire service member that they’ve lost. Bode and Foote consider it a true honor to carry these flags and names to the finish line.

“The thin red line flag represents for me, not only our country, but our fire service and the people who choose to serve their communities,” says Foote. “The MN Fire flag, for me, represents hope. Hope that we can impact the devastating numbers of firefighters that are losing their lives to cardiac, cancer, and suicide but also to inspire all who hear the story of this journey.”

Joining our walkers today were several members of the Barnum and Sturgeon Lake Fire Departments. The comradery keeps Foote and Bode entertained and motivated.

“It’s awesome having other firefighters join us,”says Bode. “It gives us a boost and it’s great just hanging out, sharing stories and hearing what it’s like at their departments. It makes the walk a lot more special.”

More firefighters are expected to join the walk in the coming days.

As we’ve now completed one-third of the walk, we’re happy to report that we are over one-third of our way to our fundraising goal of $100,000. With the generosity of sponsors and donors, we’re excited to share that Miles for MnFIRE has raised $40,950. If you’d like to contribute, click here. Every dollar makes a difference.

The team is still on schedule to finish at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul on Sunday, Sept. 21. Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Esko, Mahtowa, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 2:

Starting location: Esko, MN
Finish for the day: Mahtowa, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 63°F and misty

Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode started day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul. On Sunday, Sept. 14, the team began at the Willard Munger State Trail near Esko, Minn.

Keeping a steady pace of approximately 19 minutes per mile, Foote and Bode made various stops to recharge, including a longer break at Carlton Fire Department, where Chief Derek Wolf chatted with the walkers and Wired Loon Coffee supplied some delicious fresh muffins.

The team finished the day in Mahtowa and was joined by Marley the service dog for the last leg of the journey!

The story of Miles for MnFIRE continues to reach every corner of our state. As the walk and coverage continues (including a new story by KARE 11 on its website), we’re excited to share that Miles for MnFIRE has raised $35,250 so far. We appreciate all of the support as we aim for our goal of $100,000. For more details or to donate, click here.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as our walkers, Doug and Kyle, head toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 21. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Moose Lake, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 1:

Starting location: Duluth Fire Station #1, Duluth, MN
Finish for the day: Esko, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 60°F and cloudy

This morning at Duluth Fire Station #1, the door raised for Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode, marking the start to their more than 150-mile walk to St. Paul. Fueled by cheers from family, friends and community members, Foote and Bode wove their way through the streets of Duluth and onto the Willard Munger State Trail, completing 17 miles and finishing in Esko, Minn.

 

“It was so fulfilling to take the first steps with my brother Kyle Bode as we departed Duluth Fire Department Station 1,” says Foote. “All the weeks of training were over and the journey had finally begun. Duluth Fire had a rig protecting our backs all the way to the pedestrian walkway over Hwy 35, then we headed to the Munger Trail. What an awesome send off from MnFIRE, our family, friends and Duluth Fire. We are blessed to have so much support!”

Shout out to some very special fans who supported the Miles for MnFIRE walkers today:

• Barb Goodman, who lost her firefighter husband, Larry, to brain cancer in 2024. Bode has named Larry as one of the firefighters he is honoring with his Miles for MnFIRE journey. Barb made a poster honoring Larry and cheering on Kyle and Doug.
• Representative Pete Johnson, who is also a member of the Duluth Fire Department.
• Ric Rosow, who is photographing Miles for MnFIRE and is an event sponsor.

Ahead of today’s kick-off, MnFIRE President and Founder Mike Dobesh and Foote appeared on The Lift, a lifestyle show on WDIO (ABC). Foote was also interviewed by WCCO radio. Miles for MnFIRE continues tomorrow as the walkers make their way from Esko, through Carlton and end in Mahtowa.

This event is raising awareness and funds for firefighter health. So far, Miles for MnFIRE has raised $34,730. Our goal is $100,000. For more details or to donate, visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as our walkers, Doug and Kyle, head toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Contributed by MnFIRE partner, Optum

It’s difficult to imagine someone you care about taking their own life. But many people around the world do — often without warning. Their loved ones, coworkers and community members are left to grieve. Many feel a mix of complicated emotions: disbelief, sorrow, anger. Some — especially those closest to them — feel guilty, wondering if they should’ve known somehow and done something to stop it.

However, no one can predict who might attempt or die by suicide. And no one is to blame when someone does. Many people who attempt suicide do so impulsively without warning. Still, we can all do more to create supportive environments where people in despair know they’re not alone.

Who’s at risk?

Suicide affects every region of the world — and people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances, including many firefighters. It’s linked to:

• Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol or substance use disorders
• Major life stressors, like financial, relationship or legal troubles
• Chronic medical conditions and pain
• Experiencing disaster, violence, abuse or loss, and a sense of isolation
• Belonging to a group that faces discrimination, such as refugees, immigrants, people of color or LGBTQ+ individuals
• Cultural or religious ideals
• Being incarcerated
• Family history of suicide

It’s difficult to know who’s at risk. It could be a fellow service member, coworker or friend who seems happy and is always looking out for others. Unfortunately, research shows firefighters are at a higher risk to die by suicide than in the line of duty and at a 20% greater risk when compared to the general public, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Stigma and taboo often keep people from asking for support, even when they need it most. That’s why it’s so important to understand what suicide is — and how to support someone who may be considering it.

Show compassion

One of the most important steps is to talk more about mental health and well-being. Letting your loved ones know you’re a safe place can go a long way in helping them feel connected and supported. Being open about your own struggles can also help others feel more comfortable.

Clue in on warning signs

Listen closely to what your loved ones and others say, without passing judgment. If they talk about feeling worthless, wanting to die, having no reason to live, killing themselves or getting revenge – those are warning signs.

Out-of-character behavior can also signal suicidal thoughts — such as extreme mood swings, sleeping too much or too little, giving away valuables, isolating themselves or increasing their use of alcohol or drugs.

Offer support

If you notice any possible signs — or just get a sense they’re struggling — talk to them. Ask how they’re feeling and let them know you’re here to listen without judgment. It’s also OK to ask gently if they’re thinking about suicide.

Depending on what they say (or don’t say), let them know you care about them and are concerned about their well-being.

Remember you’re not there to fix anything — you’re there to be someone they can lean on, so they feel less alone and more supported.

If you’re worried they may be in despair or thinking about suicide, focus on how to help them feel supported while doing your best to keep them safe. For example, stay with them until you’re confident they’re safe or with someone who can support them. If possible, remove substances or items they might use to harm themselves.

Encourage them to connect with a medical or mental health provider who can help them stay safe and access the support they need.

MnFIRE can help

The MnFIRE helpline is free and provides confidential help 24-hours a day at 888-784-6634 for all active Minnesota firefighters and their families. Select option 1 to get connected with a therapist.

With over 20 years in the fire service, Kyle Bode, a member of the St. Paul Fire Department, has witnessed his fellow firefighters suffer occupational health issues including emotional trauma, cardiac disease and cancer. In fact, the recent loss of a firefighter friend to brain cancer is motivating him to find more support for the health and wellness of Minnesota’s fire service – and he’s willing to walk 150 miles to get it.

Miles for MnFIRE 2025 kicks off at Duluth Fire Station #1 on Sept. 13, and will finish at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the State Capitol on Sept. 21. Bode will walk over eight days with Excelsior Fire District member Doug Foote to raise much needed funds for the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), which provides training and benefits to help firefighters prioritize and protect their health. Foote, an 18-year member of the fire service, walked in the inaugural Miles for MnFIRE event in 2021.

We asked Bode to share more about Miles for MnFIRE and the motivation that will help him every step of the way:

What inspired you to take on this 150-mile walk?

I wholeheartedly believe in MnFIRE’s mission. I am currently an instructor for MnFIRE trainings and serve as a peer supporter. Everything MnFIRE offers is important, especially the education they are providing to departments across the state. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s crucial to educate firefighters about the occupational risks associated with their job so they can protect themselves, rather than wait until something happens. I’ve unfortunately had several friends die from occupational cardiac events, cancer and suicide. Most recently, my good friend, Larry Goodman, passed away from glioblastoma. I am walking to honor him and the others we’ve lost in my department and throughout the state.

Why is supporting MnFIRE so important?

Supporting MnFIRE is important because they take care of the people who care for community members. Firefighters face higher risks of cancer, heart problems and mental health struggles than almost anyone else. MnFIRE gives us the tools, training and support we need to stay healthy and keep doing our jobs safely.

By supporting MnFIRE, we’re helping firefighters live longer, healthier lives – and that means stronger and safer communities for all of us.

How have you prepared for this journey, mentally and physically?

I have been walking and rucking a lot! Mentally, I know the walk will be challenging, but I have a plan to keep reminding myself WHY I’m walking. That should help me with any mental challenges.

What are you most looking forward to as Miles for MnFIRE approaches?

I’m most looking forward to meeting and walking with people along the route. These conversations will keep me motivated, and I’m sure that I will hear stories of occupational health challenges that firefighters have faced and fought.

How do people react when you tell them you are walking 150+ miles to raise awareness for firefighter health and wellness?

Honestly, not too many people are surprised. I’ve spent a significant portion of my life challenging myself in various ways. Many firefighters have thanked me for stepping up and they have shown a great deal of support. A few have even offered to help in different ways along the route.

What do you hope people take away from watching your Miles for MnFIRE journey?

I hope it inspires other firefighters to take their health seriously and raises awareness about the health risks we face in this job.

 

To show your support for the walkers, MnFIRE and all who bravely serve in Minnesota’s fire service, consider making a donation or sponsoring Miles for MnFIRE. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar until Sept. 21. Plus, any individual donating $200 or more can receive a Miles for MnFIRE hat!

If you are interested in cheering on the walkers, we’ll be posting more information on the route and daily updates on our website.

Very few people would willingly walk 200 miles across the state, let alone hatch the idea. But Doug Foote, firefighter at Excelsior Fire District, is that person. In 2021, Foote pulled together the first Miles for MnFIRE event, walking from Marietta to St. Paul to raise awareness about firefighter health and wellness and helping raise $20,000 for the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) along the way. Now, the Excelsior Fire District firefighter is back again to walk 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul, from Saturday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 21.

While the Miles for MnFIRE route has changed, the motivation remains the same: to shine a spotlight on this important issue and MnFIRE’s efforts to improve firefighter health outcomes. Before hitting the road with fellow firefighter Kyle Bode of the St. Paul Fire Department, we asked Foote a few questions about what inspires him and what he is doing differently this time:

What inspired you to embark on this 150-mile walk?

Firefighters are suffering and dying at alarming rates from cardiac, cancer and mental health issues. I personally have served and know several who have suffered, and sadly, perished. MnFIRE has done so much for all of us in the fire service. I’m hoping to gain further awareness and funds for their incredible cause.

What are you most looking forward to as Miles for MnFIRE approaches?

Easy question: inspiring and deep discussions with fellow firefighters along the route, like I enjoyed last time. I asked many firefighters walking with me, “is there anything you can’t unsee?” This simple question led to some truly thoughtful discussions, some of them tearful, some heart-wrenching and all of them therapeutic. Several people thanked me for simply listening to things they weren’t able to share with anyone else. The walk is free of technology distractions with nothing to do but talk or walk in silence in a shared experience for miles. I’ll take that with me for the rest of my life.

Why is supporting MnFIRE so important?

Minnesota ranks as one of the highest states for volunteer firefighters. MnFIRE has saved lives when no one else has stepped up. MnFIRE provides benefits during hardship. If I can do one small thing to help MnFIRE and my fellow fire service brothers and sisters, I’m going to do it. It’s an honor.

How do people react when you tell them you are walking 150+ miles to raise awareness for firefighter health and wellness?

Pretty much the same as last time: people think I’m nuts. When I mention the last walk that we did four years ago, what it accomplished and all that MnFIRE does, they are always supportive, generous and inspired.

How have you prepared for this journey, mentally and physically?

I’ll be honest, it’s a mental grind. I’m training in parallel for this and the 110 flight 9/11 climb at the same time, both of which require mental and physical grit. The walk prep is a large time commitment. I’m walking 18 miles on weekend days, which is about six hours each time with short breaks. I will have walked over 100 miles in advance of the walk. Of course, none of this would be possible without my wife, Denise, who is my pit crew and source of encouragement and strength. She’s there at every break with food, change of clothes and shoes, and other supplies. She’s sacrificing a lot of time to support me, and I couldn’t do it without her!

You’ve done this athletic feat before. Anything you are doing differently this time?

During the last walk in 2021 from Marietta to St. Paul, I averaged 30 miles per day, which took its toll on my body. This go-around, we’re averaging approximately 18 miles per day and plan to spend a little more time at stops along the way. It will take us more days but be more enjoyable, and give us a chance to connect with more people and some flexibility to accommodate for bad weather.

What do you hope people take away from watching your Miles for MnFIRE journey?

First and foremost, I hope, like the last walk, that firefighters have a greater awareness of the benefits offered by MnFIRE. Last time the walk inspired several fire service members to step forward and ask for help. I also hope our broader community gains a better understanding of the health risks impacting firefighters and how important MnFIRE is to those who truly need their benefits. MnFIRE is such a blessing for all of us!

 

To show your support for the walkers, MnFIRE and all who bravely serve in Minnesota’s fire service, consider making a donation or sponsoring Miles for MnFIRE. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar until Sept. 21. Plus, any individual donating $200 or more can receive a Miles for MnFIRE hat!

If you are interested in cheering on the walkers, we’ll be posting more information on the route and daily updates on our website.

Contributed by Nicholas E. Blonien, D.O.

Firefighting is a high-stress job that is highly rewarding, but it can certainly take a toll on fire service members’ health and well-being. When you add up the sleep deprivation, physical exertion and toxic exposures, it can be harmful and cause “free radicals” to form in the body.

Free radicals are molecules that can disrupt cellular function and DNA if not appropriately neutralized. Over time, this excess oxidative stress can increase your risk for cancer, chronic disease and accelerated aging. The good news – there is a way to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing harm: antioxidants.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress happens when free radicals damage cells. Free radicals are short-lived “reactive oxygen species” (ROS) that have an unpaired electron in their orbit. This makes them unstable molecules that try to “steal” electrons from other molecules in order to stabilize themselves. During this process, neighboring molecules will either become dysfunctional or turn into free radicals, too. While free radicals are a normal part of our body processes and even deployed by the immune system to help fight infections, too many of them can cause problems.

Stress overload

When the body faces too much stress, it can struggle to neutralize free radicals and keep them under control, which can cause damage or unwanted ailments. That’s why it’s important to have a plan to boost antioxidants, especially in times of intense physical activity, exposure to toxins or poor nutrition.

How to boost antioxidants

Two common-sense ways to boost antioxidants in your body include:

Exercise – While physical exercise can temporarily increase stress and free radical formation, it strengthens antioxidant activity over time. Regular exercise causes the body to adapt and become better at handling stress.

Nutrition – The best way to get dietary antioxidants is by eating fruits and vegetables. Diets that limit these foods, such as the ketogenic diet or carnivore diet, are not recommended as a long-term or sustainable nutrition strategy. Here are some great foods that are high in antioxidants:

• Fruits: berries, apples, cherries, pomegranates, tomatoes
• Vegetables: kale, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, beans
• Nuts/seeds: walnuts, pecans, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseed
• Extras: coffee, green tea, cinnamon, turmeric, oregano

The above list is NOT exhaustive. There are MANY foods packed with antioxidants.

To stay healthy, it’s important to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants. You can do this by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. ​

How can I learn more?

MnFIRE offers professionally led training sessions on sleep, nutrition and fitness, as well as occupational health risks including cancer, cardiac and emotional wellness. Click here to learn more and register your department for a no-cost training and help strengthen your team from the inside out.

The 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament presented by Schmidt & Salita Law Team was a hot and memorable day to enjoy 18 holes in support of firefighter health and wellness – and like previous years, the event was sold out with 144 attendees!

“After seven years of hosting our annual golf tournament, it keeps getting more special and meaningful to see both familiar and new faces from the fire service community gather and rally together,” said Mike Dobesh, president and co-founder of MnFIRE. “It’s an opportunity to not only connect socially but also to shine a light on the critical health needs of firefighters and their families across Minnesota.”

At MnFORE this year, we were also pleased to debut our new video featuring firefighters from across Minnesota sharing their stories about how MnFIRE benefits have impacted them and supported their health and well-being since our inception in 2016. Our goal is to continue the critical support of firefighters who face health issues like cardiac, cancer and emotional trauma.

We greatly appreciate the many golfers, volunteers and generous sponsors who helped make it a successful day at Legends Golf Club in Prior Lake. A special thank you to the Schmidt & Salita Law Team for their support as the title sponsor and our media guest Rena Sarigianopoulos from KARE-11 who attended and recently covered the event and more about MnFIRE.

The funds raised at MnFORE allow us to continue providing critical health and wellness resources and more to Minnesota’s firefighters when they need it most.

Looking ahead, please save the date for July 14, 2026, and join us again at Legends for the eighth annual MnFORE Golf Tournament. In the meantime, enjoy browsing photos from this year’s event on MnFIRE’s Facebook page. Give the page a “follow” and stay up to date on MnFIRE happenings and news all year long.