Paying Tribute to Minnesota’s Fallen Firefighters

Several people from the MnFIRE team volunteered at this year’s Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service on Sunday, where hundreds gathered on the State Capitol grounds to remember our brothers and sisters in the fire service who have paid the ultimate price.

For 11 years, the event – coordinated by the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation – on the last Sunday in September has been a dramatic annual reminder of the importance of ensuring that every Minnesota firefighter has access to the education, prevention and care needed to handle a medical diagnosis, including the top-three diseases firefighters face: cardiac issues, emotional trauma and cancer.

Since 1881, 241 Minnesota firefighters have died in the line of duty. Their names have been inscribed on columns throughout the nationally recognized memorial, located on the south side of the Capitol grounds.

Learn more about the firefighters who were honored from KSTP‘s coverage of Sunday’s memorial service.

Recent News

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
Firefighter Mandee Marx offers a trusting ear as a MnFIRE peer supporter
October 21, 2025
MnFIRE Founder and Board Member George Esbensen Honored by Twin Cities Business
October 7, 2025
Even your strong friends might need support
October 6, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Meet our next Firefighter Health Forum speaker: Dr. Zeke McKinney!

Dr. McKinney is an occupational medicine physician who has worked with Minnesota firefighters for a decade. His session will review occupational health risks affecting those in the fire service, including heart disease, cancer and sleep deprivation. Dr. McKinney will also share medical screening methods and lifestyle changes to help firefighters stay healthy.

Check out more information about the Firefighter Health Forum, happening January 23-24, 2026! www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-firefighter-health-forum-registration-1964377725657?aff=social
... See MoreSee Less

Shoutout to Kyle Rosenfeldt of Hawley Area Fire Department – our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! 🔦

We offer convenient, no-cost health and wellness trainings to all Minnesota fire departments. Interested in bringing a MnFIRE training to your department? Find more info here: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Shoutout to Kyle Rosenfeldt of Hawley Area Fire Department – our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! 🔦

We offer convenient, no-cost health and wellness trainings to all Minnesota fire departments. Interested in bringing a MnFIRE training to your department? Find more info here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Introducing our first Firefighter Health Forum speaker: Megan Lautz of Rescue RD - Megan Lautz!

Megan Lautz is an award-winning registered dietitian specializing in first responders. At the forum, Megan will teach simple, real-life strategies including:

🍽️ how to eat better during 24+ shifts
🍽️ what to grab when gas station cuisine is the only option
🍽️ how to avoid the energy crash that hits halfway through shift
🍽️ tips for optimizing hydration and choosing electrolyte products

Register for the Jan. 23-24 Firefighter Health Forum today! www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-firefighter-health-forum-registration-1964377725657?aff=social
... See MoreSee Less

Load more
Skip to content