Resources for firefighter partners & families

Being the spouse, partner or family member of a firefighter is no easy thing. We all know how difficult it can be when your loved one gets called into a dangerous situation – and it’s sometimes just as stressful, if not more, to wait for them to come back home safely. From unpredictable schedules, emotional trauma, increased health risks and more, firefighter families are put through a lot, but MnFIRE is available to help ease that burden.

As part of our free ongoing health and wellness training for all Minnesota firefighters through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, we’re excited to announce a new training session designed specifically to give fire service spouses, partners and family members the tools and perspective needed to support the mental and physical health of their firefighter loved ones – and their families. The goal of this training is to help spouses and significant others navigate potential challenges that can arise when you have a firefighter in your family, and give you more insight into what your firefighter loved one faces on the job.

“As the spouse and supporter of a firefighter, I have wanted to play a more active role in ensuring he is healthy both mentally and physically while he serves our community,” said a firefighter spouse about the MnFIRE training. “This [training] was exactly what I was looking for. I want to bring this back home with me and share with other fire spouses so they, too, feel equipped with information and action steps if and when needed.”

It’s just as important for firefighter partners and families to practice consistent self-care, seek social support and keep up a routine. If stress is overwhelming your ability to cope, consider talking to a mental health professional. Confidential help is available over the phone or online, anytime for any Minnesota firefighter and their family through the MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP). Any member of a firefighter’s household, including children living away from home, can access up to five counseling visits a year for free through the MAP. Understanding your loved one’s mental health needs may not only aid in their recovery, but help you cope as well.

The MnFIRE spouse & significant other training is currently being offered at regional sessions throughout Minnesota. Contact us to learn more. You can always find up-to-date resources on the Firefighter Significant Others & Families page of our website as well.

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Our very own founder and board member, George Esbensen, recently sat down for an interview with Roshini Rajkumar on The Crisis Files podcast! On the episode, titled "Case File #168: Fire Hazards," George discusses the trailblazing work that MnFIRE is doing to support firefighters across the state. Listen to it here, or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️ thecrisisfiles.com/podcasts/case-file-168-fire-hazards/ ... See MoreSee Less

Our very own founder and board member, George Esbensen, recently sat down for an interview with Roshini Rajkumar on The Crisis Files podcast! On the episode, titled Case File #168: Fire Hazards, George discusses the trailblazing work that MnFIRE is doing to support firefighters across the state. Listen to it here, or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️ https://thecrisisfiles.com/podcasts/case-file-168-fire-hazards/

This past weekend, MnFIRE President Mike Dobesh traveled to San Bernardino, California for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network Health & Wellness Symposium!

On Sunday, Mike presented on how to create and scale firefighter health and wellness initiatives, and each attendee left his session with a framework for building a similar program in their state. We hope to see our program model used by other states and communities to support firefighters across the country!

Thanks to Aon for participating in the presentation and being an ongoing partner in improving firefighter health outcomes.
... See MoreSee Less

This past weekend, MnFIRE President Mike Dobesh traveled to San Bernardino, California for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network Health & Wellness Symposium! 

On Sunday, Mike presented on how to create and scale firefighter health and wellness initiatives, and each attendee left his session with a framework for building a similar program in their state. We hope to see our program model used by other states and communities to support firefighters across the country! 

Thanks to Aon for participating in the presentation and being an ongoing partner in improving firefighter health outcomes.Image attachment

Thank you Central Raiders Volleyball (Norwood Young America) for fundraising for MnFIRE in honor of First Responder Night! We appreciate your generous support and wish you the best of luck in the rest of your season! 🏐 ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you Central Raiders Volleyball (Norwood Young America) for fundraising for MnFIRE in honor of First Responder Night! We appreciate your generous support and wish you the best of luck in the rest of your season! 🏐Image attachmentImage attachment
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