Minnesota Department of Public Safety Makes Historic Ruling

By George Esbensen, MnFIRE Board President

In a landmark decision, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has ruled that Maple Grove and St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar died in the line of duty. Captain Paidar died from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, on August 26, 2020, at age 53.

The decision by Commissioner John Harrington last week marks a historical first for the Minnesota Fire Service: A Minnesota Public Safety Officer Death Benefit has never before been awarded to a person who died from cancer.

In a letter to Captain Paidar’s family, Commissioner Harrington cited a number of considerations leading to the decision, including medical studies linking the number of a firefighter’s fire hours to leukemia mortality, his age and his primary physician’s statement.

“Having been in law enforcement for nearly 40 years, I understand the dangers facing public safety officers each day,” Commissioner Harrington wrote. “And it appears that in your husband’s case, the danger was not solely an immediate one. As such, I believe his death falls within the intended definition of ‘killed in the line of duty’ recognized by this state and will be certified as such.

All of us at MnFIRE continue to reflect on the loss of Captain Paidar and honor his years of dedicated public service. Please join us in expressing our gratitude to everyone who worked on behalf of Captain Paidar’s wife and children, particularly IAFF Local 21 and the Minnesota Professional Firefighters. This is an incredible step forward for Captain Paidar’s family and for all firefighters struggling with fire service-driven cancers.

Recent News

Know the facts on testicular cancer
April 23, 2025
9 Tips to ease daily stress
April 14, 2025
Striving for better sleep on call and at home
March 18, 2025
Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to reduce cancer risk
March 7, 2025
Get a glimmer of calm, peace and joy
February 21, 2025
2025 Firefighter Health Forum: Learning, movement and resources for attendees
February 21, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

There's still time to register for MnFORE presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team – the ultimate day of golf and festivities, all to support Minnesota firefighter health.🏌️🚒

There are only four foursomes left – reserve your place today! mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/
... See MoreSee Less

Theres still time to register for MnFORE presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team – the ultimate day of golf and festivities, all to support Minnesota firefighter health.🏌️🚒

There are only four foursomes left – reserve your place today! https://mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/

Did you know that more than 90% of our state's fire departments are volunteer or mostly volunteer-staffed? It's National Volunteer Week, and we express our gratitude to all volunteer firefighters in Minnesota. Thank you for giving your time and talents to serve our communities through the fire service!

We're proud to offer Hometown Heroes Assistance Program benefits at no cost to all active volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time Minnesota firefighters, so each incredible individual in the fire service can protect and prioritize their health. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

#NationalVolunteerWeek
... See MoreSee Less

Did you know that more than 90% of our states fire departments are volunteer or mostly volunteer-staffed? Its National Volunteer Week, and we express our gratitude to all volunteer firefighters in Minnesota. Thank you for giving your time and talents to serve our communities through the fire service!

Were proud to offer Hometown Heroes Assistance Program benefits at no cost to all active volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time Minnesota firefighters, so each incredible individual in the fire service can protect and prioritize their health. https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/ 

#NationalVolunteerWeek

Looking for a way to give back to your hometown heroes? Consider MnFORE sponsorship!

From businesses to individuals, there's a sponsorship opportunity for you. It's a meaningful way to get involved with the annual golf tournament supporting MnFIRE. Learn more here: mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/
... See MoreSee Less

Looking for a way to give back to your hometown heroes? Consider MnFORE sponsorship! 

From businesses to individuals, theres a sponsorship opportunity for you. Its a meaningful way to get involved with the annual golf tournament supporting MnFIRE. Learn more here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/

Day 2 of gathering MnFIRE stories from across the state! 📹 ... See MoreSee Less

Day 2 of gathering MnFIRE stories from across the state! 📹Image attachmentImage attachment
Load more
Skip to content