Help Your Fellow Firefighters

As people in the fire service and their families know all too well, firefighters are exposed to unimaginable scenes of pain and suffering on the job. That traumatic stress can pile up over time, so much so that approximately half of all firefighters think about wanting to die, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Although many of our brothers and sisters need help, there is a deep-rooted belief that others outside of the fire service just don’t get it. Getting help from someone who has experienced the same struggles can make all the difference, and that’s where MnFIRE peer supporters come in.

MnFIRE peer supporters are here to provide confidential support to those experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems, while acting as a bridge to outside professional services. Our Peer Support Program allows firefighters to talk with a peer supporter who has been in their shoes, and understands the emotional challenges unique to firefighting.

“I love helping other firefighters — helping them put a name to an invisible demon, especially when it comes to trauma and PTSD,” said one peer supporter. “The follow-up texts that I receive from the ones who say, ‘You saved my life,’ make me realize there was a reason I went through what I went through. I now know my work matters.”

Connect with a Peer Supporter

If you’re in crisis or need help, please call our 24-hour hotline: 888-784-6634. 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.

Become a Peer Supporter

MnFIRE is currently building an extensive peer supporter network to help all members of the fire family – and we want you to join us in this important work! We’re currently recruiting:

  • Chief/command staff peers
  • Active/retired peers
  • Full-time/paid-on-call/volunteer peers
  • Spouse/family peers

To become a peer supporter, you will need to attend a Peer Support training class. Our next training will take place March 12-13, 2022. Mental health professionals and senior peer supporters will give you the tools to help those in need and walk with them as they find their way back to living their best life.

Want to know more? See our Peer Support frequently asked questions. Register for the upcoming training here.

MnFIRE acts as a crisis intervention peer support program. When someone calls in need of someone to talk to when working through a tough time, the Peer Support team connects them with a peer. As a peer supporter, you will share your experiences, recommendations or tools that have worked for you to get through your own challenges. Professional resources are also available if requested through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program.

By providing emotional support outside of the traditional medical system, peer support directly reduces the culture of silence in the fire service that has all too often resulted in worsening mental health and suicide. Please consider joining our group of peer supporters – it’s a great way to give back and support your fellow firefighters!

Recent News

Getting to know yourself better
June 25, 2025
Keeping alcohol use in check
June 11, 2025
Signs and support for post-traumatic stress injury/disorder
May 23, 2025
A quick guide for mindful living practices
May 7, 2025
Know the facts on testicular cancer
April 23, 2025
9 Tips to ease daily stress
April 14, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Happy July! It's time to recognize the sponsors of the 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team.

We are so grateful to Title Sponsor Schmidt and Salita Law Team for their generous support of MnFIRE and ongoing commitment to Minnesota firefighter health. Thank you! 👏
... See MoreSee Less

Happy July! Its time to recognize the sponsors of the 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team.

We are so grateful to Title Sponsor Schmidt and Salita Law Team for their generous support of MnFIRE and ongoing commitment to Minnesota firefighter health. Thank you! 👏

The connection between PTSD and rescue work like firefighting is clear. Research shows that approximately 20% of firefighters meet criteria for PTSD at some point during their career, compared to a 6.8% lifetime risk for the general population.

Remember that confidential peer support and no-cost counseling visits are available 24/7 for Minnesota firefighters – just call 888-784-6634. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP

#PTSDAwarenessDay
... See MoreSee Less

The connection between PTSD and rescue work like firefighting is clear. Research shows that approximately 20% of firefighters meet criteria for PTSD at some point during their career, compared to a 6.8% lifetime risk for the general population.

Remember that confidential peer support and no-cost counseling visits are available 24/7 for Minnesota firefighters – just call 888-784-6634. https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP 

#PTSDAwarenessDay

Congrats to our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner – Kevin Lagos of Saint Paul Fire Department!

Curious about how no-cost MnFIRE trainings can benefit your department? See options here! mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Congrats to our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner – Kevin Lagos of Saint Paul Fire Department!

Curious about how no-cost MnFIRE trainings can benefit your department? See options here! https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

As we close out Safety Stand Down Week, Day 5 focuses on Training, used to access existing behavioral health training and develop a long-term plan for keeping behavioral health in the department’s training cycle.

We offer a variety of trainings at no cost to all Minnesota fire departments. From emotional wellness to fitness & nutrition plus many more, you can learn and grow alongside other firefighters in your department. mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Thanks for following along with Safety Stand Down Week!

#safetystanddown2025 #safetystanddown
... See MoreSee Less

Video image

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Load more
Skip to content