Chris Parsons Memorial Fund

The entire Minnesota fire service mourns the loss of St. Paul Fire Captain Chris Parsons, who passed away on June 15, 2023.

As president of the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters, principal officer of IAFF Local 21 and a founding board member of MnFIRE, Chris was a fervent champion for firefighter well-being, which will forever be part of his legacy.

He was particularly focused on championing legislation that banned PFAS, cancer-causing chemical fire retardants. With his family’s permission, MnFIRE has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money that will go toward PFAS research and its impact on firefighters.

Visit the Chris Parsons Memorial Fund for PFAS Research GoFundMe page.

Chris was a selfless servant and has positively impacted the lives of every single Minnesota firefighter and their families. He will be missed.

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Firefighters continually put their lives on the line to keep us safe. When difficulties arise, we're committed to helping relieve the burden through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Find resources for you or your loved one here: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Your health. Our priority. What a fantastic weekend at the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum! To our attendees, presenters and supporters from near and far – thank you. From training and discussion to celebration and camaraderie, it was a privilege to gather our community in the name of firefighter health and wellness!

Special thanks to our excellent speakers:

Jen Elleraas
Dr. Margaret Gavian
Pamela S. Graydon, NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Firefighter Registry for Cancer
Rochelle Hawthorne
Megan Lautz, Rescue RD - Megan Lautz
Dr. Zeke J. McKinney
Sara Nelson
Dr. Michelle D. Sherman
Danielle Thornton, NAMI Minnesota
Aaron Zamzow, Fire Rescue Fitness
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Thank you WCCO & CBS News Minnesota for having our very own president and co-founder, Mike Dobesh, and state director of Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Minnesota, Steve Shapira, on The 4 to discuss Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. We are grateful for the chance to spread awareness and share important occupational health resources for the fire service community.

If you know a firefighter, be sure to tell them about the no-cost resources available to them through MnFIRE and the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. 🚒 www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/the-demands-of-the-job-that-are-putting-firefighters-in-more-danger/
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Your health. Our priority. The 2026 Firefighter Health Forum begins this week! ⏰

We look forward to welcoming our fire service community to Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Check out our conference agenda on the Firefighter Health Forum page at the link in our bio!
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