Miles for MnFIRE Update – 9/15/21

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.

The inspiration continued on day three of Miles for MnFIRE, as Doug Foote made his way through Prinsburg, Blomkest, Lake Lillian and Cosmos.

It was a chilly, windy day, but Doug enjoyed a lot of company along his route. He was joined by the Prinsburg fire chief and a fellow firefighter to start the morning, and then a former Willmar firefighter who heard about Doug’s mission on Facebook this week stopped by to walk the next nine miles by his side.

As the day went on, Doug was also joined by the Blomkest, Lake Lillian and Cosmos Fire Departments who escorted him safely along his journey. Two Lake Lillian firefighters also put on their bunker gear to walk.

“We had some incredibly deep and thoughtful discussions on mental health and PTSD,” said Doug. “Those discussions made my whole day, and hit on the meaning behind MnFIRE and this walk.”

As Doug walked into town, escorted by the Cosmos Fire Department, he was welcomed by the Cosmos fire chief, firefighters and their families, as well as other community members. A big thanks to all of the fire departments for their protection and support as Doug makes his trek.

Miles for MnFIRE has raised a total of $8,880, which means we’re more than halfway to our $15,000 goal! Do your part to sustain firefighter health and wellness in your community – give today. Thank you in advance for your support!

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Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, or presented at the 2025 Firefighter Health Forum! It was a powerful day of training and conversation celebrating firefighter health and wellness, and we are so grateful for our fire service community.

A special thank you goes out to all of our fantastic speakers:

Ali Rothrock
Rochelle Hawthorne, MA, MS, LPC, FF/EMT-P
Sara Nelson, MPS, LADC
Blake Christenson, Iron Maltese Athletics
Kasey Keckeisen, Ramsey County Deputy
Nick Blonien, DO
... See MoreSee Less

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, or presented at the 2025 Firefighter Health Forum! It was a powerful day of training and conversation celebrating firefighter health and wellness, and we are so grateful for our fire service community.

A special thank you goes out to all of our fantastic speakers:

Ali Rothrock 
Rochelle Hawthorne, MA, MS, LPC, FF/EMT-P
Sara Nelson, MPS, LADC 
Blake Christenson, Iron Maltese Athletics 
Kasey Keckeisen, Ramsey County Deputy 
Nick Blonien, DOImage attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment
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