As is tradition since 2011, hundreds of people gathered on the grounds of the State Capitol on the last Sunday of September this year to remember Minnesota firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

As part of this remembrance, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Sunday, September 28, 2025 as Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day in Minnesota, and ordered United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings.

With the Capitol as the backdrop, members of the fire service, family and the public gathered for the somber event organized by the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation. The 2025 Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service included a wreath laying, reading of the honor roll, bag pipes playing and a bell ceremony, along with comments from dignitaries.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson addressed the crowd, thanking members of the fire service for the selfless work they do in their communities, which can include physical, mental and emotional burdens. Jacobson urged those who might be struggling with the demands of firefighting to get help.

“There are others who are willing to share the weight of the service you provide,” said Jacobson. “Take advantage of the free and confidential mental health services that are available through MnFIRE, including their peer support. You are not alone.”

MnFIRE receives state funding to make the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program available to all active firefighters in Minnesota. As of August 2025, nearly 83% of Minnesota fire departments have received free training on the physical and mental health risks of firefighting as well as prevention and mitigation strategies. A network of more than 1,450 trauma-informed therapists has been created in addition to MnFIRE’s peer support network, both of which offer confidential help to firefighters and their family members. In addition, every firefighter in the state is automatically enrolled in a critical illness program, providing up to $20,000 in life-changing funds when diagnosed with cancer, cardiac issues, post-traumatic stress disorder or other qualifying conditions.

Since 1881, 253 Minnesota firefighters have died in the line of duty. Their names have been inscribed on columns throughout the nationally recognized memorial, located on the south side of the Capitol grounds. Columns were unveiled Sunday honoring Laura Zumbusch-Wood of the Victoria Fire Department, who died July 27, 2025; Andrew Karels of the Amboy Fire Department, who died June 2, 2025; Chief Jason Gruett of the Goodview Fire Department, who died March 12, 2025; Gary Schroeder, Jr., of the Zumbrota Fire Department, who died April 17, 2023; Roland Limpert of the Goodview Fire Department, who died October 31, 1965; and Assistant Chief Frederick Granzow of the Duluth Fire Department, who died Sept. 10, 1915.

With deep gratitude, we recognize their dedicated service. MnFIRE is here to support their fellow firefighters and communities. Call 888-784-6634 to get help today.

Every year since 2011, hundreds of people have gathered on the grounds of the State Capitol on the last Sunday of September for a solemn ceremony to remember the Minnesota firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Yesterday, MnFIRE representatives joined others in the fire service, dignitaries including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, family members and the public once again as part of the 2024 Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service.

MnFIRE board members Ken Bence and Ed Hoffman participated in the reading of the honor roll, and Hoffman also led the ceremonial releasing of the doves. MnFIRE board president George Esbensen spoke about the history of MnFIRE, and how the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program is charting a way forward to improve firefighter health.

“I began attending funerals for fallen firefighters and noticed a pattern: cancer, cardiac issues and emotional trauma were consistently primarily responsible for these losses,” Esbensen said in his remarks. “It struck me that what’s predictable is preventable. Could we apply successful fire prevention approaches to firefighter health and well-being?”

According to Esbensen, firefighters of all types across Minnesota are receiving help daily through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Eighty percent of fire departments statewide have received free training on the physical and mental risks of firefighting and strategies for prevention and mitigation. A network of over 1,000 trauma-informed mental health providers has been created, aiming to have support within an hour’s drive of any firefighter or family member in Minnesota.

He also described the thriving peer support network and how every firefighter in the state is automatically enrolled in a critical illness program, providing up to $20,000 in life-changing funds when diagnosed with cancer, cardiac issues, emotional trauma or other qualifying conditions.

“By identifying and addressing the root causes of many of the illnesses and deaths in the Minnesota fire service, we can reduce preventable job-related tragedies among our selfless servants,” Esbensen said.

Since 1881, 249 Minnesota firefighters have died in the line of duty. Their names have been inscribed on columns throughout the nationally recognized memorial, located on the south side of the Capitol grounds. Columns were unveiled Sunday honoring Adam Finseth of the Burnsville Fire Department, who died February 18, 2024; Kayla Giefer of the Courtland Fire Department, who died July 13, 2023; Thomas McDonough, Jr., of the St. Paul Fire Department, who died Aug. 24, 2020; Lloyd Conley, Sr., of the MN State Fire Marshal’s Office, who died Nov. 2, 1921; and Arthur Clark, Sr., also of the MN State Fire Marshal’s Office, who died Aug. 29, 1913.