Miles for MnFIRE Raised $20,000, Awareness for Firefighter Health

On Saturday, Doug Foote was joined by firefighters from around the Twin Cities as they completed the final mile of Miles for MnFIRE together and descended upon the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the State Capitol Grounds. It marked the powerful end of a truly momentous journey for Minnesota firefighter health.

From Marietta to Montevideo to Saint Paul, and all the communities in between, Doug’s 200-mile trek served to unite, educate and rally support around the top three health issues facing firefighters in our state: cardiac, emotional trauma and cancer. In addition to sharing MnFIRE’s mission with folks along the journey, Miles for MnFIRE also received widespread media attention, reaching an audience of over 5 million people through print, radio and television media outlets. We also managed to raise $20,000 to support MnFIRE’s mission of supporting Minnesota firefighters and they people who care about them.

“This walk has been an incredible and inspirational journey on so many levels,” says Doug. “What is abundantly clear is that we have firefighters who are hurting out there from the myriad traumatic experiences they have encountered. Their dedication is nothing short of heroic, but it drives home the point of how important the MnFIRE mission is, especially related to mental health.”

In the wake of this milestone journey, we’d simply like to say thank you. Thank you to the many firefighters who donned their turnout gear and took brave steps together with us along the way; thank you to the long list of fire departments who donated and voiced their support for the cause; thank you to the compassionate corporations who pledged their support for our hometown heroes; and thank you, Doug Foote, for your tireless efforts to support our organization.

Doug gives special thanks to his sons and wife Denise for being there throughout the journey, as well as to Chiefs Johnson, White, and the entire Chanhassen Fire Dept. “Words cannot possibly express my gratitude for all the departments, firefighters, and members of the community who showed up and dedicated their time to support the Miles for MnFIRE walk and MnFIRE’s mission,” he says. “I am indebted to those who ensured my safety along the route. I am so thankful to the MnFIRE team for their support and commitment throughout this journey, but even more so related to all they are doing for my fire department brothers and sisters. They have a mighty mission and are leading purpose-driven lives indeed!”

If you haven’t made a donation and would still like to there’s still a little time left. Check out our pledge page HERE.

Recent News

Firefighter Mandee Marx offers a trusting ear as a MnFIRE peer supporter
October 21, 2025
MnFIRE Founder and Board Member George Esbensen Honored by Twin Cities Business
October 7, 2025
Even your strong friends might need support
October 6, 2025
2025 Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service
September 30, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 9: White Bear Lake to St. Paul
September 21, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 8: Wyoming to White Bear Lake
September 20, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

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

Have you seen our new video? From beginning to end, it showcases the heart and goal of our work at MnFIRE: supporting the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. Watch the video on our homepage, and consider sharing with a firefighter you know! mnfireinitiative.com/ ... See MoreSee Less

Have you seen our new video? From beginning to end, it showcases the heart and goal of our work at MnFIRE: supporting the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. Watch the video on our homepage, and consider sharing with a firefighter you know! https://mnfireinitiative.com/
2 weeks ago

MnFIRE provides Minnesota’s firefighters the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health.

If you or a loved one has accessed these life-changing health and wellness resources for firefighters, we invite you to share your personal experience with us through this survey: forms.gle/RznafowU82g7fk1QA
... See MoreSee Less

MnFIRE provides Minnesota’s firefighters the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health.

If you or a loved one has accessed these life-changing health and wellness resources for firefighters, we invite you to share your personal experience with us through this survey: https://forms.gle/RznafowU82g7fk1QA
Load more
Skip to content