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.

Recent News

Supporting men’s mental health
November 6, 2025
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
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

This Thursday, Nov. 20, is GiveMN.org's Give to the Max Day – an inspiring time to give back to our state's hometown heroes through MnFIRE.

Your contribution goes towards crucial mental health services like crisis response, where we debrief critical incidents and help firefighters process their thoughts around traumatic events in a healthy way. For firefighters in need, these resources are invaluable.

Help firefighters with a gift today: www.givemn.org/organization/Mnfire

#GTMD25 #GTMD
... See MoreSee Less

Give to the Max Day is in one week! 🗓️

We all rely on firefighters to be there for us when we need help – you can help them in return by making a donation to MnFIRE. Your gift supports MnFIRE in equipping Minnesota’s 20,000 active firefighters and their families with life-changing mental health resources, such as critical crisis response services.

Consider giving to MnFIRE this month: www.givemn.org/organization/Mnfire

GiveMN.org #GTMD25 #GTMD
... See MoreSee Less

Give to the Max Day is in one week! 🗓️

We all rely on firefighters to be there for us when we need help – you can help them in return by making a donation to MnFIRE. Your gift supports MnFIRE in equipping Minnesota’s 20,000 active firefighters and their families with life-changing mental health resources, such as critical crisis response services.

Consider giving to MnFIRE this month: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Mnfire  

GiveMN.org #GTMD25 #GTMD

Lung cancer affects firefighters at higher rates than the general population, and you may know someone who has been personally impacted by occupational cancers such as lung cancer. In the event of a diagnosis, MnFIRE resources can provide relief.

All active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in MnFIRE’s Critical Illness Program and are eligible to receive a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 after diagnoses of critical illnesses like lung cancer.

Learn more and file a claim: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI

#LungCancerAwarenessMonth
... See MoreSee Less

Lung cancer affects firefighters at higher rates than the general population, and you may know someone who has been personally impacted by occupational cancers such as lung cancer. In the event of a diagnosis, MnFIRE resources can provide relief.

All active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in MnFIRE’s Critical Illness Program and are eligible to receive a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 after diagnoses of critical illnesses like lung cancer.

Learn more and file a claim: https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI 

#LungCancerAwarenessMonth

Firefighters are exposed to traumatic stress at particularly high rates, and getting help from someone who has lived similar experiences can make all the difference.

That's where MnFIRE's Peer Support Program comes in. MnFIRE peer supporters are here to provide confidential support to those experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems, and one of them can help you today. Call 888-784-6634 or learn more at mnfireinitiative.com/peer-support/

#NationalStressAwarenessDay
... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters are exposed to traumatic stress at particularly high rates, and getting help from someone who has lived similar experiences can make all the difference.

Thats where MnFIREs Peer Support Program comes in. MnFIRE peer supporters are here to provide confidential support to those experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems, and one of them can help you today. Call 888-784-6634 or learn more at https://mnfireinitiative.com/peer-support/

#NationalStressAwarenessDay
Load more
Skip to content