KSTP Features MnFIRE Executive Director Wayne Kewitsch

Wayne Kewitsch brings 25 years of experience in Minnesota’s fire service — and harrowing, first-hand understanding of the dangers firefighters face — to his new role helping firefighters across the state as MnFIRE’s first executive director. On Sunday, KSTP’s Eric Chaloux spoke with Kewitsch about his 20 years with the Richfield Fire Department, including the past nine as chief, and his goals for MnFIRE moving forward.

Kewitsch brings a dramatically unique perspective to the organization, after three recent life-threatening cardiac episodes. Cardiovascular disease is the top killer of firefighters nationwide and is by far the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. Kewitsch is working to prevent health scares like his own from happening to any other firefighters.

Consequently, Kewitsch is leading MnFIRE’s efforts to provide all of Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters with free health and wellness training to become “MnFIRE Aware” of their own occupational risks, thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Fire Service Advisory Committee. The training, taught by firefighters and other health experts, teaches firefighters how to protect themselves from the three most common problems experienced by firefighters: cardiac, emotional trauma and cancer, so they can continue to do their jobs and protect others.

“We want to make sure we take care of our firefighters while they take care of the community,” says Kewitsch.

Thanks to Eric Chaloux for highlighting this critical work. Watch the full interview here.

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Firefighters face an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population, including breast cancer. However, there is hope – education is the first step towards prevention.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, consider educating your department through our no-cost cancer training. This class explains activities that put firefighters at higher risk for developing cancer, proper PPE strategies for mitigating cancer risks, and what types of screenings can be done to catch cancer early. Stand up to cancer by scheduling a training today: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
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Firefighters face an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population, including breast cancer. However, there is hope – education is the first step towards prevention.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, consider educating your department through our no-cost cancer training. This class explains activities that put firefighters at higher risk for developing cancer, proper PPE strategies for mitigating cancer risks, and what types of screenings can be done to catch cancer early. Stand up to cancer by scheduling a training today: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Thank you, Schmidt and Salita Law Team, for generously matching the donation amount raised by Tommy's Tonka Trolley back in September! We deeply appreciate your support, and we're proud to utilize the proceeds and matched amount to support firefighters across our state. 🚒 ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you, Schmidt and Salita Law Team, for generously matching the donation amount raised by Tommys Tonka Trolley back in September! We deeply appreciate your support, and were proud to utilize the proceeds and matched amount to support firefighters across our state. 🚒

Happy National First Responders Day! We honor your sacrifices, selflessness and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

Thank a first responder in your life today. ❤️
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Happy National First Responders Day! We honor your sacrifices, selflessness and commitment to keeping our communities safe. 

Thank a first responder in your life today. ❤️

Our gratitude goes out to all firefighters – those who have protected us in the past and those who are serving us in the present. If a loved firefighter pops into your mind, consider making a donation and writing a message for them on the MnFIRE Honor Wall. Learn more and read powerful tributes here: mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate ... See MoreSee Less

Our gratitude goes out to all firefighters – those who have protected us in the past and those who are serving us in the present. If a loved firefighter pops into your mind, consider making a donation and writing a message for them on the MnFIRE Honor Wall. Learn more and read powerful tributes here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate
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