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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Meet Jen Elleraas: a dedicated MnFIRE peer supporter who you can hear from at the Firefighter Health Forum on Jan. 23-24!

In her session, Jen will share what it means to be serve as a peer supporter and how peer support strengthens mental health and resilience among firefighters. Learn how you can access this confidential, statewide network, receive support from trained peers and build meaningful connections that promote wellness across the fire service.

We want to see you at the Firefighter Health Forum – save your spot today! www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-firefighter-health-forum-registration-1964377725657?aff=social
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We’re grateful to all of the firefighters keeping our communities safe over the holidays, and MnFIRE is always on call if you’re in need of support during the holiday season and beyond. Warm wishes from all of us at MnFIRE! ❄️ ... See MoreSee Less

We’re grateful to all of the firefighters keeping our communities safe over the holidays, and MnFIRE is always on call if you’re in need of support during the holiday season and beyond. Warm wishes from all of us at MnFIRE! ❄️

Danielle Thornton of NAMI Minnesota will lead a CALM Conversations workshop at the Firefighter Health Forum Jan. 23-24. Join us to learn how to recognize and respond to suicide risk, and how to talk with someone who might be having suicidal thoughts in a collaborative, non-judgmental and supportive manner.

The Firefighter Health Forum gives you access to information that could be life-saving. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-firefighter-health-forum-registration-1964377725657?aff=social
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Did you know that the Firefighter Health Forum isn't just for firefighters? All firefighter spouses and partners are welcome and encouraged to attend!

In Dr. Michelle D. Sherman's sessions, firefighter spouses and partners will:

🔴 co-create a “Top 10 List” of what you’d like your firefighter to know about your experience as their spouse or partner
🔴 explore typical versus concerning responses to trauma and how to support your firefighter loved one while also taking care of yourself

Gain this valuable knowledge and much more at the Firefighter Health Forum Jan. 23-24. Sign up here: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-firefighter-health-forum-registration-1964377725657?aff=social
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