With over 20 years in the fire service, Kyle Bode, a member of the St. Paul Fire Department, has witnessed his fellow firefighters suffer occupational health issues including emotional trauma, cardiac disease and cancer. In fact, the recent loss of a firefighter friend to brain cancer is motivating him to find more support for the health and wellness of Minnesota’s fire service – and he’s willing to walk 150 miles to get it.

Miles for MnFIRE 2025 kicks off at Duluth Fire Station #1 on Sept. 13, and will finish at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the State Capitol on Sept. 21. Bode will walk over eight days with Excelsior Fire District member Doug Foote to raise much needed funds for the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), which provides training and benefits to help firefighters prioritize and protect their health. Foote, an 18-year member of the fire service, walked in the inaugural Miles for MnFIRE event in 2021.

We asked Bode to share more about Miles for MnFIRE and the motivation that will help him every step of the way:

What inspired you to take on this 150-mile walk?

I wholeheartedly believe in MnFIRE’s mission. I am currently an instructor for MnFIRE trainings and serve as a peer supporter. Everything MnFIRE offers is important, especially the education they are providing to departments across the state. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s crucial to educate firefighters about the occupational risks associated with their job so they can protect themselves, rather than wait until something happens. I’ve unfortunately had several friends die from occupational cardiac events, cancer and suicide. Most recently, my good friend, Larry Goodman, passed away from glioblastoma. I am walking to honor him and the others we’ve lost in my department and throughout the state.

Why is supporting MnFIRE so important?

Supporting MnFIRE is important because they take care of the people who care for community members. Firefighters face higher risks of cancer, heart problems and mental health struggles than almost anyone else. MnFIRE gives us the tools, training and support we need to stay healthy and keep doing our jobs safely.

By supporting MnFIRE, we’re helping firefighters live longer, healthier lives – and that means stronger and safer communities for all of us.

How have you prepared for this journey, mentally and physically?

I have been walking and rucking a lot! Mentally, I know the walk will be challenging, but I have a plan to keep reminding myself WHY I’m walking. That should help me with any mental challenges.

What are you most looking forward to as Miles for MnFIRE approaches?

I’m most looking forward to meeting and walking with people along the route. These conversations will keep me motivated, and I’m sure that I will hear stories of occupational health challenges that firefighters have faced and fought.

How do people react when you tell them you are walking 150+ miles to raise awareness for firefighter health and wellness?

Honestly, not too many people are surprised. I’ve spent a significant portion of my life challenging myself in various ways. Many firefighters have thanked me for stepping up and they have shown a great deal of support. A few have even offered to help in different ways along the route.

What do you hope people take away from watching your Miles for MnFIRE journey?

I hope it inspires other firefighters to take their health seriously and raises awareness about the health risks we face in this job.

 

To show your support for the walkers, MnFIRE and all who bravely serve in Minnesota’s fire service, consider making a donation or sponsoring Miles for MnFIRE. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar until Sept. 21. Plus, any individual donating $200 or more can receive a Miles for MnFIRE hat!

If you are interested in cheering on the walkers, we’ll be posting more information on the route and daily updates on our website.

Very few people would willingly walk 200 miles across the state, let alone hatch the idea. But Doug Foote, firefighter at Excelsior Fire District, is that person. In 2021, Foote pulled together the first Miles for MnFIRE event, walking from Marietta to St. Paul to raise awareness about firefighter health and wellness and helping raise $20,000 for the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) along the way. Now, the Excelsior Fire District firefighter is back again to walk 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul, from Saturday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 21.

While the Miles for MnFIRE route has changed, the motivation remains the same: to shine a spotlight on this important issue and MnFIRE’s efforts to improve firefighter health outcomes. Before hitting the road with fellow firefighter Kyle Bode of the St. Paul Fire Department, we asked Foote a few questions about what inspires him and what he is doing differently this time:

What inspired you to embark on this 150-mile walk?

Firefighters are suffering and dying at alarming rates from cardiac, cancer and mental health issues. I personally have served and know several who have suffered, and sadly, perished. MnFIRE has done so much for all of us in the fire service. I’m hoping to gain further awareness and funds for their incredible cause.

What are you most looking forward to as Miles for MnFIRE approaches?

Easy question: inspiring and deep discussions with fellow firefighters along the route, like I enjoyed last time. I asked many firefighters walking with me, “is there anything you can’t unsee?” This simple question led to some truly thoughtful discussions, some of them tearful, some heart-wrenching and all of them therapeutic. Several people thanked me for simply listening to things they weren’t able to share with anyone else. The walk is free of technology distractions with nothing to do but talk or walk in silence in a shared experience for miles. I’ll take that with me for the rest of my life.

Why is supporting MnFIRE so important?

Minnesota ranks as one of the highest states for volunteer firefighters. MnFIRE has saved lives when no one else has stepped up. MnFIRE provides benefits during hardship. If I can do one small thing to help MnFIRE and my fellow fire service brothers and sisters, I’m going to do it. It’s an honor.

How do people react when you tell them you are walking 150+ miles to raise awareness for firefighter health and wellness?

Pretty much the same as last time: people think I’m nuts. When I mention the last walk that we did four years ago, what it accomplished and all that MnFIRE does, they are always supportive, generous and inspired.

How have you prepared for this journey, mentally and physically?

I’ll be honest, it’s a mental grind. I’m training in parallel for this and the 110 flight 9/11 climb at the same time, both of which require mental and physical grit. The walk prep is a large time commitment. I’m walking 18 miles on weekend days, which is about six hours each time with short breaks. I will have walked over 100 miles in advance of the walk. Of course, none of this would be possible without my wife, Denise, who is my pit crew and source of encouragement and strength. She’s there at every break with food, change of clothes and shoes, and other supplies. She’s sacrificing a lot of time to support me, and I couldn’t do it without her!

You’ve done this athletic feat before. Anything you are doing differently this time?

During the last walk in 2021 from Marietta to St. Paul, I averaged 30 miles per day, which took its toll on my body. This go-around, we’re averaging approximately 18 miles per day and plan to spend a little more time at stops along the way. It will take us more days but be more enjoyable, and give us a chance to connect with more people and some flexibility to accommodate for bad weather.

What do you hope people take away from watching your Miles for MnFIRE journey?

First and foremost, I hope, like the last walk, that firefighters have a greater awareness of the benefits offered by MnFIRE. Last time the walk inspired several fire service members to step forward and ask for help. I also hope our broader community gains a better understanding of the health risks impacting firefighters and how important MnFIRE is to those who truly need their benefits. MnFIRE is such a blessing for all of us!

 

To show your support for the walkers, MnFIRE and all who bravely serve in Minnesota’s fire service, consider making a donation or sponsoring Miles for MnFIRE. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar until Sept. 21. Plus, any individual donating $200 or more can receive a Miles for MnFIRE hat!

If you are interested in cheering on the walkers, we’ll be posting more information on the route and daily updates on our website.

The 2023 MnFORE Golf Tournament presented by Aon was another beautiful day on the links! We’re so thankful to all of the golfers, volunteers and generous sponsors who joined us at Bearpath Golf & Country Club in the name of Minnesota firefighter health and wellness.

The funds raised at MnFORE will help MnFIRE continue to provide critical support and resources to Minnesota’s firefighters so they can live longer, healthier and happier lives. This is all thanks to your generosity! On behalf of Minnesota’s fire service, we thank you.

Enjoy browsing our photos from the event on MnFIRE’s Facebook page.

Learn more about all MnFIRE does for Minnesota’s fire service through advocacy, awareness, training and support here. If you would like to make a contribution to MnFIRE, please visit our donate page.

 

Stay tuned for details on the 2024 MnFORE Golf Tournament!

Interested in sponsoring in 2024? Contact DeeDee Jankovich at djankovich@mnfireinitiative.com.

 

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.