By George Esbensen, MnFIRE Board President

In a landmark decision, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has ruled that Maple Grove and St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar died in the line of duty. Captain Paidar died from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, on August 26, 2020, at age 53.

The decision by Commissioner John Harrington last week marks a historical first for the Minnesota Fire Service: A Minnesota Public Safety Officer Death Benefit has never before been awarded to a person who died from cancer.

In a letter to Captain Paidar’s family, Commissioner Harrington cited a number of considerations leading to the decision, including medical studies linking the number of a firefighter’s fire hours to leukemia mortality, his age and his primary physician’s statement.

“Having been in law enforcement for nearly 40 years, I understand the dangers facing public safety officers each day,” Commissioner Harrington wrote. “And it appears that in your husband’s case, the danger was not solely an immediate one. As such, I believe his death falls within the intended definition of ‘killed in the line of duty’ recognized by this state and will be certified as such.

All of us at MnFIRE continue to reflect on the loss of Captain Paidar and honor his years of dedicated public service. Please join us in expressing our gratitude to everyone who worked on behalf of Captain Paidar’s wife and children, particularly IAFF Local 21 and the Minnesota Professional Firefighters. This is an incredible step forward for Captain Paidar’s family and for all firefighters struggling with fire service-driven cancers.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in U.S. firefighters today, and according to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 68% of all firefighters will develop some form of cancer in their lifetimes. Although respiratory and GI cancers are most commonly associated with firefighting, those in the fire service are at a greater risk of all cancers compared to the general population.

That’s why Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to advocate for those firefighters – both men and women – in their fight against breast cancer.

Due to historically smaller sample sizes, there has been limited evidence-based research regarding occupational cancer among women in the fire service. San Francisco has more female firefighters than any other city in the country, and an increasing number of them are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 16% of the department’s firefighters are women. Of that number, 15% of female firefighters between 40 and 50 years old have been diagnosed with breast cancer, which is six times the national average.

More studies are now being done to determine the elevated health risks of firefighting on breast cancer. In 2020, the Women Firefighters Biomonitoring Collaborative collected biospecimens and interview data from 80 women firefighters and 80 women office workers from San Francisco, revealing that firefighters may be at an increased risk for developing breast cancer due to exposure to higher levels of certain toxic PFAS chemicals.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been produced since the 1950s. PFAS have been nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down, so they accumulate over time. As people get exposed to PFAS from different sources over time, the level of PFAS in their bodies may increase to the point where they suffer from adverse health effects.

Of course, personal risk factors such as age and family history also can increase someone’s risk for cancer. Beyond exposure to toxic chemicals, the lifestyle of a firefighter can also increase cancer risk. Non-exposure risk factors for cancer in firefighters include:

• Stress
• Body composition
• Cardiorespiratory fitness
• Sleep/shiftwork
• Diet

Firefighters are exposed to known carcinogens and hundreds of other chemicals from the station to the site of a fire – ranging from exhaust to firefighting foams, and even their own protective gear. The most common routes of occupational exposure to carcinogens include:

• Skin absorption
• Inhalation
• Ingestion (less likely)

Cancer is one of the most dangerous threats to firefighter health and safety today, and it is critical that more Minnesota firefighters become aware of their higher risks for cancer – including breast cancer – as well as prevention strategies. Broader research on occupational health risks also needs to be done to protect the health of women and other minorities who are in the fire service.

Sign your department up today for our cancer deep-dive training – we’ll educate 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. Together, we can reduce future cancer diagnoses and protect firefighters from breast cancer and all of these terrible diseases.

On Saturday, Doug Foote was joined by firefighters from around the Twin Cities as they completed the final mile of Miles for MnFIRE together and descended upon the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the State Capitol Grounds. It marked the powerful end of a truly momentous journey for Minnesota firefighter health.

From Marietta to Montevideo to Saint Paul, and all the communities in between, Doug’s 200-mile trek served to unite, educate and rally support around the top three health issues facing firefighters in our state: cardiac, emotional trauma and cancer. In addition to sharing MnFIRE’s mission with folks along the journey, Miles for MnFIRE also received widespread media attention, reaching an audience of over 5 million people through print, radio and television media outlets. We also managed to raise $20,000 to support MnFIRE’s mission of supporting Minnesota firefighters and they people who care about them.

“This walk has been an incredible and inspirational journey on so many levels,” says Doug. “What is abundantly clear is that we have firefighters who are hurting out there from the myriad traumatic experiences they have encountered. Their dedication is nothing short of heroic, but it drives home the point of how important the MnFIRE mission is, especially related to mental health.”

In the wake of this milestone journey, we’d simply like to say thank you. Thank you to the many firefighters who donned their turnout gear and took brave steps together with us along the way; thank you to the long list of fire departments who donated and voiced their support for the cause; thank you to the compassionate corporations who pledged their support for our hometown heroes; and thank you, Doug Foote, for your tireless efforts to support our organization.

Doug gives special thanks to his sons and wife Denise for being there throughout the journey, as well as to Chiefs Johnson, White, and the entire Chanhassen Fire Dept. “Words cannot possibly express my gratitude for all the departments, firefighters, and members of the community who showed up and dedicated their time to support the Miles for MnFIRE walk and MnFIRE’s mission,” he says. “I am indebted to those who ensured my safety along the route. I am so thankful to the MnFIRE team for their support and commitment throughout this journey, but even more so related to all they are doing for my fire department brothers and sisters. They have a mighty mission and are leading purpose-driven lives indeed!”

If you haven’t made a donation and would still like to there’s still a little time left. Check out our pledge page HERE.

MnFIRE’s newest fundraiser is a walk across Minnesota to raise awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. Miles for MnFIRE kicked off on Sept. 12 near Marietta, on the westernmost edge of the state, and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey counties. The walk ends Sept. 18 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

The final leg of Miles for MnFIRE is underway! Doug Foote started this morning in Hopkins, and is making his way through St. Louis Park and Minneapolis before ending his 200-mile journey in St. Paul.

Doug started Day Six yesterday in Waconia, and walked through Victoria, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Shorewood and Minnetonka before ending the day in Hopkins, where he was just 18 miles from the finish line. Throughout his walk, Doug has been joined by other firefighters, their families and community members who have seen firsthand the alarming rate of heart attacks, suicide and cancer affecting Minnesota’s hometown heroes.

Miles for MnFIRE will come to an end this afternoon at approximately 2:30 p.m. As Doug approaches the final mile of his journey, dozens of firefighters from across Minnesota are expected to don their turnout gear and walk with him to the end site at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial site on the State Capitol grounds.

If you’d like to join Doug, and many others, on his last mile onto the Capitol grounds, you can find more details, including a map of Saturday’s route, HERE.

Doug’s long trek from Marietta to St. Paul has so far raised more than $13,000 for MnFIRE to continue its mission of supporting Minnesota firefighter health. There’s still time to make a donation HERE.

MnFIRE’s newest fundraiser is a walk across Minnesota to raise awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. Miles for MnFIRE kicked off on Sept. 12 near Marietta, on the westernmost edge of the state, and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey counties. The walk ends Sept. 18 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Beautiful day five of Miles for MnFIRE started off sunny and early in Lester Prairie, with several Lester Prairie firefighters joining Doug Foote on his route, as well as Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson. Doug made his way through New Germany and Mayer, ending in Waconia yesterday. Firefighters from the New Germany, Mayer and Waconia Fire Departments and community members also kept Doug company, guiding him through their respective cities.

Throughout his walk, Doug has been joined by other firefighters, their families and community members who have seen firsthand the alarming rate of heart attacks, suicide and cancer affecting Minnesota’s hometown heroes.

“Today, we completed the walk into the first town of which I’m very familiar,” said Doug. “I’ve done several triathlons in Waconia, and it was a sight for sore eyes.”

Doug’s long trek from Marietta to St. Paul has so far raised more than $12,000 for MnFIRE to continue its mission of supporting Minnesota firefighter health. There’s still time to make a donation HERE.

With only two days left in Doug’s journey, the end is in sight!

On Saturday, dozens of firefighters from across Minnesota will don their turnout gear and walk with Doug on his final mile to the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial site on the State Capitol grounds. Firefighters can meet at Saint Paul College starting at 1:45 p.m. and join Doug en route around 2:00 p.m. The group is expected to get to the State Capitol Grounds at approximately 2:30 p.m.

MnFIRE’s newest fundraiser is a walk across Minnesota to raise awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. Miles for MnFIRE kicked off on Sept. 12 near Marietta, on the westernmost edge of the state, and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey counties. The walk ends Sept. 18 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

As of Wednesday evening, Doug has officially made it more than halfway through his Miles for MnFIRE walk! It was another inspiring day filled with members of the fire service sharing their stories and countless support from local communities cheering on Doug along his route. FOX 9’s Maury Glover interviewed Doug about the walk yesterday.

Doug kicked off day four in Hutchinson, with a special sendoff from the Hutchinson Fire Department. He was then joined by a few Hutchinson firefighters in their bunker gear on his first steps of the day, as well as the founder of Integrations Wellness & Recovery Center, a local mental health treatment center, who was inspired by our mission to support firefighters through the emotional trauma that comes with this important work.

Then the Silver Lake Fire Department joined Doug for the second half of the day, again with some of the local firefighters in their gear too, and more firefighters and their families greeted the group as they arrived in Silver Lake. Doug’s wife, Denise, has also been a huge support throughout this week.

“When I see my wife at the end of each leg, it always, always lifts my spirit,” said Doug.

Throughout Miles for MnFIRE, Doug has been seen walking with a flag that celebrates and honors those in the fire service, and has had all of the firefighters who have walked beside him sign it.

Miles for MnFIRE has now raised a total of $11,055. To learn more and donate, click HERE. Your support will help ensure that more firefighters receive life-saving services in three key areas: heart health, emotional trauma, and cancer prevention and support.

MnFIRE’s newest fundraiser is a walk across Minnesota to raise awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. Miles for MnFIRE kicked off on Sept. 12 near Marietta, on the westernmost edge of the state, and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey counties. The walk ends Sept. 18 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

The inspiration continued on day three of Miles for MnFIRE, as Doug Foote made his way through Prinsburg, Blomkest, Lake Lillian and Cosmos.

It was a chilly, windy day, but Doug enjoyed a lot of company along his route. He was joined by the Prinsburg fire chief and a fellow firefighter to start the morning, and then a former Willmar firefighter who heard about Doug’s mission on Facebook this week stopped by to walk the next nine miles by his side.

As the day went on, Doug was also joined by the Blomkest, Lake Lillian and Cosmos Fire Departments who escorted him safely along his journey. Two Lake Lillian firefighters also put on their bunker gear to walk.

“We had some incredibly deep and thoughtful discussions on mental health and PTSD,” said Doug. “Those discussions made my whole day, and hit on the meaning behind MnFIRE and this walk.”

As Doug walked into town, escorted by the Cosmos Fire Department, he was welcomed by the Cosmos fire chief, firefighters and their families, as well as other community members. A big thanks to all of the fire departments for their protection and support as Doug makes his trek.

Miles for MnFIRE has raised a total of $8,880, which means we’re more than halfway to our $15,000 goal! Do your part to sustain firefighter health and wellness in your community – give today. Thank you in advance for your support!

MnFIRE’s newest fundraiser is a walk across Minnesota to raise awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. Miles for MnFIRE kicked off on Sept. 12 near Marietta, on the westernmost edge of the state, and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey counties. The walk ends Sept. 18 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Doug Foote continued on the next leg of his 200-mile journey across Minnesota bright and early on Monday – walking over 30 miles from Dawson to Clara City.

For day two of Miles for MnFIRE, Doug continued east on US-212 to stop in Montevideo and then continued on State Highway 7 to Clara City. Doug said, “the relay of guardian angels continued today,” as individuals from the Montevideo, Maynard and Clara City fire departments all provided escorts and protected him on his long journey.

“It is humbling meeting these volunteers,” said Doug. “They are the heartbeat of our community. When I ask them why they join the fire service, the response is universal: We need someone in our small community to do it.”

Doug spent time in Montevideo, where the Montevideo American News interviewed him for this article. It was a challenging day with the rain, but Doug and volunteers successfully finished up the day in Clara City.

This walk is raising awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. So far, Miles for MnFIRE has raised $7,755. Learn more and donate HERE. If you pledge at least $1 per mile (equal to $200), you’ll receive a Miles for MnFIRE hat as a thank you.

Stay tuned here and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as Doug heads toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where he’s scheduled to arrive on Saturday, Sept. 18.

MnFIRE’s newest fundraiser is a walk across Minnesota to raise awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. Miles for MnFIRE kicked off on Sept. 12 near Marietta, on the westernmost edge of the state, and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey counties. The walk ends Sept. 18 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Miles for MnFIRE is underway! Flanked by Marietta firefighters and their families, Chanhassen firefighter Doug Foote took the first steps on his 200-mile journey across Minnesota Sunday morning.

Here’s a look at the first leg of his walk – in a short, under-two-minute video.

After setting out from Marietta, Doug continued east on State Highway 40, stopping in Madison and Dawson, with the Marietta, Madison and Dawson fire departments all providing escorts along the way.

On Sunday afternoon, Minnesota Public Radio ran multiple stories on Miles for MnFIRE across the state. This morning, Doug left from the Baxter Town Hall with a Montevideo fire escort and is stopping in Montevideo and ending the day in Clara City.

The walk is raising awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. So far, Miles for MnFIRE has raised $6,905. For more details or to donate, visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as Doug heads toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where he’s scheduled to arrive on Saturday, Sept. 18.

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.