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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Meet our next Firefighter Health Forum speaker: Dr. Zeke McKinney!

Dr. McKinney is an occupational medicine physician who has worked with Minnesota firefighters for a decade. His session will review occupational health risks affecting those in the fire service, including heart disease, cancer and sleep deprivation. Dr. McKinney will also share medical screening methods and lifestyle changes to help firefighters stay healthy.

Check out more information about the Firefighter Health Forum, happening January 23-24, 2026! www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-firefighter-health-forum-registration-1964377725657?aff=social
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Shoutout to Kyle Rosenfeldt of Hawley Area Fire Department – our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! 🔦

We offer convenient, no-cost health and wellness trainings to all Minnesota fire departments. Interested in bringing a MnFIRE training to your department? Find more info here: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
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Shoutout to Kyle Rosenfeldt of Hawley Area Fire Department – our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! 🔦

We offer convenient, no-cost health and wellness trainings to all Minnesota fire departments. Interested in bringing a MnFIRE training to your department? Find more info here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Introducing our first Firefighter Health Forum speaker: Megan Lautz of Rescue RD - Megan Lautz!

Megan Lautz is an award-winning registered dietitian specializing in first responders. At the forum, Megan will teach simple, real-life strategies including:

🍽️ how to eat better during 24+ shifts
🍽️ what to grab when gas station cuisine is the only option
🍽️ how to avoid the energy crash that hits halfway through shift
🍽️ tips for optimizing hydration and choosing electrolyte products

Register for the Jan. 23-24 Firefighter Health Forum today! www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-firefighter-health-forum-registration-1964377725657?aff=social
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