MnFIRE was recently recognized for its swift and compassionate crisis response. On behalf of MnFIRE, Board President Mike Dobesh recently received a 2025 Partnership Award from the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS), an interagency group of state and federal partners that manage wildfire and all-risk incidents.

The honor recognizes MnFIRE’s exemplary response and support during the tragic line‑of‑duty death of wildland firefighter Isabella “Bella” Oscarson on September 26, 2025. MnFIRE, along with the organization’s mental health partner PRO Network, was one of the organizations that quickly stepped forward to provide vital resources and emotional support to Bella’s family and the Minnesota wildland fire community.

William Glesener, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife operations supervisor, noted deep appreciation for MnFIRE’s dedication and actions that match the values Bella lived by – teamwork, empathy and unwavering commitment to those who protect our lands and each other.

“We were greatly saddened by firefighter Oscarson’s line-of-duty death a few months ago. Moments like these remind us why MnFIRE’s ability to quickly deploy resources to support families and colleagues is so important,” said Dobesh. “Thank you for this recognition. We continue thinking of her loved ones during this difficult time.”

To learn more about our health and wellness resources for firefighters, including our Peer Support Program and no-cost counseling visits, please visit the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program page or call 888-784-6634.

We’re thrilled to share George Esbensen has been named to the 2025 Notable Nonprofit Board Members list by Twin Cities Business. He joins an impressive group of experienced board members who lend their expertise in a variety of fields to help organizations serve the public.

In George’s case, he has created a tidal wave of change within the Minnesota firefighter community. He has made lasting impact as a longtime fire chief in Eden Prairie and as a co-founder of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) nonprofit in 2016 with two other experienced fire service members. MnFIRE’s mission has always been to provide resources for the three most common health risks that firefighters face: cardiac issues, emotional trauma and cancer.

After years of getting MnFIRE off the ground, under George’s tenure as board president in 2021, MnFIRE rallied the state’s fire service to persuade the state legislature to pass the most comprehensive firefighter well-being legislation in the nation. The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) dedicates $4 million per year to provide life-changing resources to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters – all at no cost to them or their department.

“George was instrumental in developing and leading the strategy of outsourcing key health benefits to the private sector, which enabled MnFIRE to begin providing benefits quickly,” said Mike Dobesh, president and co-founder of MnFIRE. “His passion for helping fellow firefighters is unmatched, and his leadership has enabled MnFIRE to grow, reach and improve the lives of thousands of Minnesota firefighters and their loved ones.”

George continues to be a tireless advocate for increased support of firefighters when it comes to their health and wellness. He was recently on KARE-11 explaining how MnFIRE was launched, the training opportunities and resources that are available, and two notable events to increase awareness and funds for the nonprofit this year. George was also a guest on the The Crisis Files podcast this month with host Roshini Rajkumar to discuss MnFIRE’s important work fighting the “silent killers” firefighters face.