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.

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If you haven't heard yet, our MnFORE Golf Tournament, presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team, returns to Legends Club in Prior Lake, MN on Tuesday, July 14! 🏌️‍♂️

Hole sponsorships are still available! Consider leveraging this unique and meaningful promotional opportunity for your business or organization.

MnFORE fills up quickly, so reserve your spot today and support Minnesota firefighter health: mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/
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If you havent heard

The fire service turned out with its most powerful showing yet for Fire Service Day at the Capitol on Monday, April 27. Over 130 fire service members and friends, including MnFIRE President Mike Dobesh, Interim Executive Director DeeDee Jankovich and board members Scott Vadnais, Ed Hoffman and Jen Elleraas, met with legislators to discuss important issues that impact firefighters statewide, including MnFIRE’s role in administering the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. ... See MoreSee Less

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It's World Day for Safety and Health at Work – an observance that goes hand in hand with our mission at MnFIRE. Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, we are proud to provide:

🔴 No-cost counseling visits and peer support
🔴 Up-to-$20,000 Critical Illness insurance policy
🔴 Ongoing health and wellness training

We'd love to support you or a firefighter in your life. Learn more here: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/
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Its World Day for Sa

Shoutout to Faribault Fire Department for recently completing cardiac health training! 🫀

Follow their lead and help your crew protect their cardiovascular health by signing up for a training: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
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Shoutout to Faribaul

Did you know MnFIRE offers a class specifically dedicated to emotional wellness? This session:

☑️ helps de-stigmatize talking about mental health in your department
☑️ provides practical information on how to debrief after a difficult call
☑️ recommends ways to maintain emotional well-being
☑️ covers MnFIRE resources available to support firefighters

Emotional wellness training is available to all Minnesota fire departments, at no cost to you or your crew: mnfireinitiative.com/training/

#StressAwarenessMonth
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