Same team, new titles: MnFIRE leadership update

The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) is excited to welcome incoming officers to our Board of Directors. These changes are effective as of July 1, 2025, which is the beginning of MnFIRE’s fiscal year.

MnFIRE Co-Founder Mike Dobesh, who recently retired from his role as Fire Chief at the City of Richfield, has been elected to the role of MnFIRE President. Since MnFIRE’s inception in 2016, Dobesh served as MnFIRE Vice President under George Esbensen.

After nearly a decade in the president’s role, Esbensen will continue to serve as a board member.

“There’s no better person to lead the mission of MnFIRE than Mike Dobesh,” says outgoing President George Esbensen. “The three of us founders know first-hand what life in the fire service is like, as we’ve all been there. With Mike’s very recent retirement from his role as Fire Chief, he’s very in tune with the current needs of Minnesota’s firefighters and has a clear passion for improving firefighter health and wellness.”

Also retiring from an officer role is MnFIRE Co-Founder John Wolff, who served as treasurer since MnFIRE’s inception. He will continue serving as a board member.

The following other officer transitions have taken place, also effective July 1, 2025:

  • Amber Lage, Minneapolis Fire Department – MnFIRE Vice President
    Deputy Chief Lage joined the MnFIRE Board of Directors in November 2021.
  • Ed Hoffman, Owatonna Fire Department – MnFIRE Treasurer
    Fire Chief Hoffman joined the MnFIRE Board of Directors in January 2023.

Golden Valley Battalion Chief Ken Bence will continue to serve as secretary. In addition, Scott Vadnais will continue his volunteer service as a board member alongside Esbensen and Wolff.

As we welcome this new leadership team, we also want to congratulate DeeDee Jankovich on her recent promotion to MnFIRE Assistant Director. DeeDee has served as Program Administrator since 2021. Not only is DeeDee essential to the success of MnFIRE’s day-to-day operations, she is well-known and respected by Minnesota’s fire service thanks to her long tenure as Executive Director of the Minnesota State Fire Department Association (MSFDA).

MnFIRE is poised for another great year of continued growth and providing critical resources for Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters and their families! Thank you to our entire staff and the board for your continued efforts towards a healthier fire service.

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Our gratitude goes out to Gold Sponsor Securian Financial! Thanks for your dedication to the success of MnFORE, all to benefit Minnesota firefighter health! ⭐ ... See MoreSee Less

Our gratitude goes out to Gold Sponsor Securian Financial! Thanks for your dedication to the success of MnFORE, all to benefit Minnesota firefighter health! ⭐

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MnFORE is less than two weeks away! Thank you to Diamond Sponsors Aon and Bellmont Partners. Your support makes a difference in the lives of Minnesota firefighters. 🚒

Happy July! It's time to recognize the sponsors of the 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team.

We are so grateful to Title Sponsor Schmidt and Salita Law Team for their generous support of MnFIRE and ongoing commitment to Minnesota firefighter health. Thank you! 👏
... See MoreSee Less

Happy July! Its time to recognize the sponsors of the 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team.

We are so grateful to Title Sponsor Schmidt and Salita Law Team for their generous support of MnFIRE and ongoing commitment to Minnesota firefighter health. Thank you! 👏

The connection between PTSD and rescue work like firefighting is clear. Research shows that approximately 20% of firefighters meet criteria for PTSD at some point during their career, compared to a 6.8% lifetime risk for the general population.

Remember that confidential peer support and no-cost counseling visits are available 24/7 for Minnesota firefighters – just call 888-784-6634. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP

#PTSDAwarenessDay
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The connection between PTSD and rescue work like firefighting is clear. Research shows that approximately 20% of firefighters meet criteria for PTSD at some point during their career, compared to a 6.8% lifetime risk for the general population.

Remember that confidential peer support and no-cost counseling visits are available 24/7 for Minnesota firefighters – just call 888-784-6634. https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP 

#PTSDAwarenessDay
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