Doug Foote starting Miles for MnFIRE

Miles for MnFIRE Update – 9/13/21

MnFIRE’s newest fundraiser is a walk across Minnesota to raise awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. Miles for MnFIRE kicked off on Sept. 12 near Marietta, on the westernmost edge of the state, and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey counties. The walk ends Sept. 18 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

 

Miles for MnFIRE is underway! Flanked by Marietta firefighters and their families, Chanhassen firefighter Doug Foote took the first steps on his 200-mile journey across Minnesota Sunday morning.

Here’s a look at the first leg of his walk – in a short, under-two-minute video.

After setting out from Marietta, Doug continued east on State Highway 40, stopping in Madison and Dawson, with the Marietta, Madison and Dawson fire departments all providing escorts along the way.

On Sunday afternoon, Minnesota Public Radio ran multiple stories on Miles for MnFIRE across the state. This morning, Doug left from the Baxter Town Hall with a Montevideo fire escort and is stopping in Montevideo and ending the day in Clara City.

The walk is raising awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. So far, Miles for MnFIRE has raised $6,905. For more details or to donate, visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as Doug heads toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where he’s scheduled to arrive on Saturday, Sept. 18.

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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!

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Empower is the topic for Day 4 of Safety Stand Down Week. This day encourages firefighters to get help if they need it, reach out to those they see who are struggling, and embrace behavioral health initiatives into the department culture.

With the MnFIRE Assistance Program, we make it as easy as possible for Minnesota firefighters to get the help they need. Just call 888-784-6634. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP

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As we continue recognizing Safety Stand Down Week, Day 3 centers on Strategies. Use this day to think about specific strategies your department can implement to focus on behavioral health, and review standard operating procedures and guidelines to make sure they fully incorporate behavioral health.

Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, Minnesota firefighters can receive help and no-cost resources for the challenges that come along with their service. This comprehensive firefighter well-being program includes physical, mental and emotional health benefits: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

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It's Day 2 of Safety Stand Down Week: Educate! It's focused on educating personnel on the signs and symptoms of behavioral health challenges and that it is okay to reach out for help when needed.

We encourage all Minnesota fire departments to become "MnFIRE Aware" of their occupational health risks through MnFIRE training. Preparedness starts with education, and we're here to facilitate! mnfireinitiative.com/training/

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