Miles for MnFIRE Day 2: Esko to Mahtowa

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.

Photos by Ric Rosow

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Are you currently using the Calm app through MnFIRE? This news is for you!

We are transitioning from the Calm app to the Calm Health app to provide a more comprehensive experience. Your access to the Calm app will end on October 1, 2026, and you will need to register for a new Calm Health account.

Available through MnFIRE at no cost to Minnesota firefighters and their families, Calm Health offers much of the same mindfulness content as the Calm app – such as meditations, Sleep Stories, music/soundscapes and daily exercises – along with evidence-based programs written by psychologists to support your mental and physical well-being.

Visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap for details on how to access this app for free!
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Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, Minnesota firefighters have access to mental health support, an up-to-$20,000 Critical Illness insurance policy, ongoing health and wellness training and more. Make sure you and the firefighters in your life know about these vital resources: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/ ... See MoreSee Less

Through the Hometown

Has your department completed a MnFIRE health and wellness training lately? Reminder that our no-cost trainings are available all year long and scheduled at your convenience. We update our trainings regularly, so even if your department has completed one or more MnFIRE trainings, a refresher is always fair game! Register here: mnfireinitiative.com/training/ ... See MoreSee Less

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