Miles for MnFIRE Update – 9/18/21

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 final leg of Miles for MnFIRE is underway! Doug Foote started this morning in Hopkins, and is making his way through St. Louis Park and Minneapolis before ending his 200-mile journey in St. Paul.

Doug started Day Six yesterday in Waconia, and walked through Victoria, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Shorewood and Minnetonka before ending the day in Hopkins, where he was just 18 miles from the finish line. Throughout his walk, Doug has been joined by other firefighters, their families and community members who have seen firsthand the alarming rate of heart attacks, suicide and cancer affecting Minnesota’s hometown heroes.

Miles for MnFIRE will come to an end this afternoon at approximately 2:30 p.m. As Doug approaches the final mile of his journey, dozens of firefighters from across Minnesota are expected to don their turnout gear and walk with him to the end site at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial site on the State Capitol grounds.

If you’d like to join Doug, and many others, on his last mile onto the Capitol grounds, you can find more details, including a map of Saturday’s route, HERE.

Doug’s long trek from Marietta to St. Paul has so far raised more than $13,000 for MnFIRE to continue its mission of supporting Minnesota firefighter health. There’s still time to make a donation HERE.

Recent News

Your health, our priority: MnFIRE’s 2026 Firefighter Health Forum
January 30, 2026
Peer Support: Rewarding part of Cory DeWitte’s fire service career
January 13, 2026
MnFIRE Receives 2025 Partnership Award from Minnesota Incident Command System
December 15, 2025
Therapy saves firefighter’s life and longtime career
December 3, 2025
2026 Firefighter Health Forum coming in January
November 20, 2025
Supporting men’s mental health
November 6, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Firefighters continually put their lives on the line to keep us safe. When difficulties arise, we're committed to helping relieve the burden through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Find resources for you or your loved one here: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/ ... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters continu

Your health. Our priority. What a fantastic weekend at the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum! To our attendees, presenters and supporters from near and far – thank you. From training and discussion to celebration and camaraderie, it was a privilege to gather our community in the name of firefighter health and wellness!

Special thanks to our excellent speakers:

Jen Elleraas
Dr. Margaret Gavian
Pamela S. Graydon, NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Firefighter Registry for Cancer
Rochelle Hawthorne
Megan Lautz, Rescue RD - Megan Lautz
Dr. Zeke J. McKinney
Sara Nelson
Dr. Michelle D. Sherman
Danielle Thornton, NAMI Minnesota
Aaron Zamzow, Fire Rescue Fitness
... See MoreSee Less

Your health. Our priImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

Thank you WCCO & CBS News Minnesota for having our very own president and co-founder, Mike Dobesh, and state director of Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Minnesota, Steve Shapira, on The 4 to discuss Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. We are grateful for the chance to spread awareness and share important occupational health resources for the fire service community.

If you know a firefighter, be sure to tell them about the no-cost resources available to them through MnFIRE and the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. 🚒 www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/the-demands-of-the-job-that-are-putting-firefighters-in-more-danger/
... See MoreSee Less

Thank you WCCO & CBSImage attachment

Your health. Our priority. The 2026 Firefighter Health Forum begins this week! ⏰

We look forward to welcoming our fire service community to Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Check out our conference agenda on the Firefighter Health Forum page at the link in our bio!
... See MoreSee Less

Your health. Our pri
Load more
Skip to content