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.

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Thank you, Schmidt and Salita Law Team, for generously matching the donation amount raised by Tommy's Tonka Trolley back in September! We deeply appreciate your support, and we're proud to utilize the proceeds and matched amount to support firefighters across our state. 🚒 ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you, Schmidt and Salita Law Team, for generously matching the donation amount raised by Tommys Tonka Trolley back in September! We deeply appreciate your support, and were proud to utilize the proceeds and matched amount to support firefighters across our state. 🚒

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Happy National First Responders Day! We honor your sacrifices, selflessness and commitment to keeping our communities safe. 

Thank a first responder in your life today. ❤️

Our gratitude goes out to all firefighters – those who have protected us in the past and those who are serving us in the present. If a loved firefighter pops into your mind, consider making a donation and writing a message for them on the MnFIRE Honor Wall. Learn more and read powerful tributes here: mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate ... See MoreSee Less

Our gratitude goes out to all firefighters – those who have protected us in the past and those who are serving us in the present. If a loved firefighter pops into your mind, consider making a donation and writing a message for them on the MnFIRE Honor Wall. Learn more and read powerful tributes here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate

Have you seen our new video? From beginning to end, it showcases the heart and goal of our work at MnFIRE: supporting the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. Watch the video on our homepage, and consider sharing with a firefighter you know! mnfireinitiative.com/ ... See MoreSee Less

Have you seen our new video? From beginning to end, it showcases the heart and goal of our work at MnFIRE: supporting the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. Watch the video on our homepage, and consider sharing with a firefighter you know! https://mnfireinitiative.com/
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