MnFIRE Training Continues

The passage of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) has given us a lot to celebrate and be thankful for recently, and one of the greatest proactive resources it will give Minnesota firefighters is support for ongoing annual MnFIRE Awareness training.

During these free trainings, current and former firefighters and other health experts will provide you and your department with actionable tips on how to protect yourselves from the three health problems most commonly experienced by those in the fire service: cardiac, emotional trauma and cancer. Changing the current culture in the Minnesota Fire Service is integral to long-term reduction of the incidences of these health issues. MnFIRE trainings are the first step on a path to firefighter health and wellness, and thanks to the HHAP, the trainings are all free and expanded.

To date, more than 435 departments have completed one or more MnFIRE trainings – and 31 departments have completed all four. If your department isn’t included in these totals, or it’s been a while since your last training, now’s the time to take advantage and get your department signed up!

The trainings we offer include:

  • MnFIRE Awareness Training – This introductory class allows your department to become “MnFIRE Aware” of the occupational health risks of being in the fire service.
  • Cardiac Deep-Dive – This class looks at the heightened risk factors, the types of cardiovascular diseases that most commonly impact firefighters and offers prevention strategies to help lessen the risk.
  • Emotional Wellness Deep-Dive – This class helps de-stigmatize talking about mental health in your department, as well as provides practical information around how to properly debrief after a difficult call with your team, ways to maintain emotional well-being and what resources are available to anyone who needs help.
  • Cancer Deep-Dive – This class educates firefighters on activities that put them at higher risk for developing cancer, proper PPE strategies for mitigating cancer risks, and what types of screenings can be done to catch cancer early.

We’ve heard positive feedback firsthand from chiefs and firefighters across the state about the eye-opening education these trainings provide; and how helpful and actionable the prevention strategies and tips are.

As your department completes these trainings and commits to improving the well-being of your firefighters, you can progress toward achieving Bronze, Silver and Gold MnFIRE Aware Certification status, which makes you eligible for special MnFIRE benefits.

To sign up for training, visit mnfiretraining.org. Choose the training(s) your department would like to take. Then, click the “Register Now” button, fill out the form and you’re all set!

If you have any questions about the resources the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program provides or need help getting registered, contact MnFIRE at 763-221-9329 or info@mnfireinitiative.com. We look forward to seeing you at a training soon.

Recent News

Keeping alcohol use in check
June 11, 2025
Signs and support for post-traumatic stress injury/disorder
May 23, 2025
A quick guide for mindful living practices
May 7, 2025
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
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

As we close out Safety Stand Down Week, Day 5 focuses on Training, used to access existing behavioral health training and develop a long-term plan for keeping behavioral health in the department’s training cycle.

We offer a variety of trainings at no cost to all Minnesota fire departments. From emotional wellness to fitness & nutrition plus many more, you can learn and grow alongside other firefighters in your department. mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Thanks for following along with Safety Stand Down Week!

#safetystanddown2025 #safetystanddown
... See MoreSee Less

Video image

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Empower is the topic for Day 4 of Safety Stand Down Week. This day encourages firefighters to get help if they need it, reach out to those they see who are struggling, and embrace behavioral health initiatives into the department culture.

With the MnFIRE Assistance Program, we make it as easy as possible for Minnesota firefighters to get the help they need. Just call 888-784-6634. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP

#safetystanddown2025 #SafetyStandDown
... See MoreSee Less

Video image

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

As we continue recognizing Safety Stand Down Week, Day 3 centers on Strategies. Use this day to think about specific strategies your department can implement to focus on behavioral health, and review standard operating procedures and guidelines to make sure they fully incorporate behavioral health.

Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, Minnesota firefighters can receive help and no-cost resources for the challenges that come along with their service. This comprehensive firefighter well-being program includes physical, mental and emotional health benefits: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

#safetystanddown2025 #SafetyStandDown
... See MoreSee Less

Video image

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

It's Day 2 of Safety Stand Down Week: Educate! It's focused on educating personnel on the signs and symptoms of behavioral health challenges and that it is okay to reach out for help when needed.

We encourage all Minnesota fire departments to become "MnFIRE Aware" of their occupational health risks through MnFIRE training. Preparedness starts with education, and we're here to facilitate! mnfireinitiative.com/training/

#safetystanddown2025 #safetystanddown
... See MoreSee Less

Video image

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Load more
Skip to content