Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, Harris, Wyoming, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 7

Starting location: Harris, MN
Finish for the day: Wyoming, MN
Miles completed: 17
The weather report: 73 and cloudy with some rain

For seven straight days, Doug Foote and Kyle Bode have walked trails, roads and highways to spread awareness and raise funds for firefighter health. They are physical machines, having now racked up 130 miles of the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul. Still remaining are two days of walking towards the finish line at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Since they started on Saturday, September 13 at the Duluth Fire Station, Foote and Bode have been bolstered by sheer determination and the loving support they have received from family, friends and the Minnesota communities we’ve visited. But also, by the little discoveries made on the journey that reinforce the unique human connection within the fire service. From people who are, by happenstance, firefighters, to those who are related to someone who is in the fire service.

“In Mahtowa, we met a firefighter who was related to the wife of a fellow St. Paul firefighter,” says Bode. “There’s just a lot of little connections. It motivates you when you hear everyone thanking you for what you are doing.”

Foote agrees, noting that it’s been very fulfilling to embark on this journey again, connecting with firefighters, their families, and other community members.

“What really brought out hope was how much more familiar and informed departments are, from Mahtowa to Sturgeon Lake, Finlayson to Pine City, Harris to Stacy,” says Foote. “Compared to four years ago, the Chiefs and firefighters seem to have a better understanding and appreciation for MnFIRE. We encourage them to use the resources in the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program and also to keep spreading the word of all MnFIRE has to offer. There is hope!”

A few other highlights from today: Bode’s dog, “Kilo,” joined the walk. Kilo is a St. Paul Fire Department support dog and was instantly popular.

We also fielded interviews from the Pioneer Press and FOX 9’s Maury Glover. We’re very excited to keep sharing what Miles for MnFIRE is all about!

As we enter the greater Twin Cities, we’re hopeful the firefighter community and those who support it come out to join Miles for MnFIRE. Either by walking alongside Foote and Bode, or by gathering at the finish line to cheer for them as they finish. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

And, don’t forget: Miles for MnFIRE is also a fundraiser. Money raised will help provide resources to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters. Our goal is $100,000 – and we can reach that with your help! To contribute, click here.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.

Some photos by Ric Rosow

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, Harris, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 6
Starting location: Pine City, MN
Finish for the day: Harris, MN
Miles completed: 18
The weather report: 78 and overcast

What is the ideal way to celebrate your birthday? Maybe you take the day off of work. Maybe you treat yourself with a visit to your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or spa. Well, if you are St. Paul firefighter Kyle Bode, you happily spend it walking 18 miles in the name of firefighter health.

“I couldn’t have had a better birthday than doing what I did today,” says Bode. “This walk has been super special, and it will be a very memorable birthday!”

Indeed. As Bode and his counterpart, Doug Foote, made their way through Pine City this morning, local elementary school students lined the sidewalks to cheer them on and sing Bode “Happy Birthday.” The kids gave them high-fives and handshakes to start the day off right.

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Further down the route in Rock Creek, the team passed by a pickleball tournament and the players paused to sing “Happy Birthday!” Foote and Bode were challenged to a game, but as you can imagine, they needed to save their energy for the walk.

In Rush City, Excelsior Fire District Chief Curt Mackey and his wife joined the team, along with Bode’s wife, Kara. The crew took up Rush City Fire Chief Bob Carlson’s recommendation to stop at Rush City Bakery, picking up some marble birthday cake that was absolutely as good as everyone made it out to be.

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And as Foote and Bode made their way to the final destination of the day in Harris, Minn., a crowd including Bode’s family were there to congratulate the team on another day completed. The makeshift birthday party, including Minnesota DNR firefighters and Harris Fire Department members, was a nice way to end the day.

Thus far, they’ve now completed 112 of the 150-mile route. They’re doing as well as you can imagine considering the grueling endeavor.

“We’re holding up ok, but it was another hot day on the highway” says Foote. “I was grateful for MnFIRE Vice President Amber Lage protecting us the whole way. But my favorite part of the day was when Kyle’s family met him to walk into Harris.”

With the stop in Harris, Miles for MnFIRE is officially two-thirds of the way done. Friday, September 19, the team will move on to Wyoming, Minn. From there, on Saturday, September 20, the team walks to White Bear Lake. The final leg will be on Sunday, September 21, from White Bear Lake to the grounds of the State Capitol. We welcome you to join us at any part of this journey, to cheer on the walkers or take part in the walk itself. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

And, if you’ve been wondering what you should get Bode for his birthday, donate to Miles for MnFIRE. Money raised will help provide resources to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters. Our goal is $100,000 – and we can reach that with your help! To contribute, click here.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.

Some photos by Ric Rosow

 

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Willow River, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 5
Starting location: Groningen, MN
Finish for the day: Pine City, MN
Miles completed: 24
The weather report: 90°+ on the blacktop and direct sun

Day five on the Miles for MnFIRE journey proved one thing for sure: when two firefighters have a goal in mind, they will work together — and crush that goal.

Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health. The entire walk will take nine days, most of which are planned with approximately 18-mile stints. But today, day five of the journey, was a behemoth – nearly 24 miles in less-than-ideal conditions.

The day started out well in Groningen, but as the route moved through Hinckley and Mission Creek, the team had to turn away from the shady Willard Munger Trail and onto the black asphalt of Highway 23, the St. Croix Scenic Byway, and Old Highway 61, both blasted with direct sunlight.

But they did it, in good spirits, and finished in Pine City before the rainstorms hit. It wasn’t easy, but there were many bright spots in the day to boost their spirits. The biggest highlight was crossing the halfway mark of their journey.

“It feels really good to get over the midway point,” says Bode. “We had lots of friends join us today, which was nice. It helped take our mind off the walk.”

Joining Foote and Bode today were several retired and active firefighters, MnFIRE mental health providers from ProNetwork, and Gracy, a support-dog-in-training from Soldier 6. Because of her puppy-sized stride, once in a while Gracy caught a ride in a stroller.

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And, good news travels! Today, both the White Bear Press and Forest Lake Times published stories about Miles for MnFIRE. As the story of this journey continues to spread throughout Minnesota, we hope more people can join in supporting Foote, Bode, and the MnFIRE mission.

How can you do that? Your financial donation will help provide resources to Minnesota firefighters across the state. To contribute, click here. You are also welcome to join us on the Miles for MnFIRE trail. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here. And finally, we invite you to the finish line. The team is on schedule to finish at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul on Sunday, Sept. 21. Join us for the celebratory finish of this major accomplishment.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.

Some photos by Ric Rosow

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Esko, Willow River, Groningen, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 4
Starting location: Sturgeon Lake, MN
Finish for the day: Groningen, MN
Miles completed: 18
The weather report: HOT! 85 and very sunny

Firefighters are used to heat, but today was “a bit of a grind,” as Miles for MnFIRE walker Doug Foote put it. With highs in the mid-80’s and bright, scorching sun, day four of the more than 150-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul was a display of endurance and resilience.

Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed an additional 18 miles of their walk, which is raising awareness and funds for firefighter health. They’ve now completed 70 miles total, with today’s stretch covering Sturgeon Lake to Groningen, MN.

Besides their sheer determination, the support system helping the walkers every day has been key to their success. Foote’s wife, Denise, and MnFIRE Executive Director Rebecca Otto have been present since the start in Duluth. They help with food and hydration, set up at rest stops and shave managed route planning. Their presence and attention to detail is enabling the walkers focus on their endurance and the true meaning of the event.

Today, Bode’s wife Kara surprised him on the trail! Kara owns a dance studio and with her commitments there, she wasn’t expected to appear during the Miles for MnFIRE journey until the finish.

“I thought maybe she’d surprise me at some point, but it was a surprise – and a very nice one,” says Bode. “I’ve been having a great time on this experience, and having her here, too, just makes it that much better.”

Another great support today were students from John W. Osborne Finlayson Elementary School. A group of K-6^th graders lined the school’s sidewalks, cheering on Foote and Bode with high-fives, fist bumps and smiles. Foote and Bode used the opportunity to take a short break, and talk with the students about health and wellness.

“We were quite tired and dehydrated at the time, but we knew that we were going to visit the Finlayson Elementary kids, and they didn’t disappoint,” says Foote. “As we rounded the corner with the Finlayson fire engine behind us, we saw all of the cheering kids and our spirits were immediately lifted. It was so awesome to see all of these wonderful teachers and kids coming out and their enthusiasm. It will no doubt be one of the high points of the walk.”

Tomorrow the team will hit their route halfway mark, as they attack over 25 miles on their most aggressive day of the entire trek.  If you’d like to show your support for this amazing team, here are a few ways:

• Donate to Miles for MnFIRE. We are still seeking sponsors and donors to help provide resources to Minnesota firefighters across the state. To contribute, click here.
• Join Doug and Kyle on the walk. You are welcome to cheer on or join Kyle and Doug as they walk through your community. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.
• Meet us at the finish line. The team is on track to approach the State Capitol in St. Paul on Sunday, Sept. 21 on their way to the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial, where they’ll finish their over 150-mile feat. We’d love to have you celebrate our walkers and honor the Minnesota fire service.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.

Some photos by Ric Rosow

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Esko, Sturgeon Lake, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 3:

Starting location: Mahtowa, MN
Finish for the day: Sturgeon Lake, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 75°F and humid

Logging just over 17 miles for the third day in a row, today Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote  and Kyle Bode walked from Mahtowa to Sturgeon Lake, completing day three of Miles for MnFIRE. So far, they’ve logged nearly 52 miles of the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul.

Two special flags are also making the journey to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial – one displaying the MnFIRE logo and another representing the fire service. At stops along the way, they are signed by people who want to show their support. Sometimes, people will write the name of a fire service member that they’ve lost. Bode and Foote consider it a true honor to carry these flags and names to the finish line.

“The thin red line flag represents for me, not only our country, but our fire service and the people who choose to serve their communities,” says Foote. “The MN Fire flag, for me, represents hope. Hope that we can impact the devastating numbers of firefighters that are losing their lives to cardiac, cancer, and suicide but also to inspire all who hear the story of this journey.”

Joining our walkers today were several members of the Barnum and Sturgeon Lake Fire Departments. The comradery keeps Foote and Bode entertained and motivated.

“It’s awesome having other firefighters join us,”says Bode. “It gives us a boost and it’s great just hanging out, sharing stories and hearing what it’s like at their departments. It makes the walk a lot more special.”

More firefighters are expected to join the walk in the coming days.

As we’ve now completed one-third of the walk, we’re happy to report that we are over one-third of our way to our fundraising goal of $100,000. With the generosity of sponsors and donors, we’re excited to share that Miles for MnFIRE has raised $40,950. If you’d like to contribute, click here. Every dollar makes a difference.

The team is still on schedule to finish at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul on Sunday, Sept. 21. Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

Some photos by Ric Rosow

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Esko, Mahtowa, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 2:

Starting location: Esko, MN
Finish for the day: Mahtowa, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 63°F and misty

Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode started day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul. On Sunday, Sept. 14, the team began at the Willard Munger State Trail near Esko, Minn.

Keeping a steady pace of approximately 19 minutes per mile, Foote and Bode made various stops to recharge, including a longer break at Carlton Fire Department, where Chief Derek Wolf chatted with the walkers and Wired Loon Coffee supplied some delicious fresh muffins.

The team finished the day in Mahtowa and was joined by Marley the service dog for the last leg of the journey!

The story of Miles for MnFIRE continues to reach every corner of our state. As the walk and coverage continues (including a new story by KARE 11 on its website), we’re excited to share that Miles for MnFIRE has raised $35,250 so far. We appreciate all of the support as we aim for our goal of $100,000. For more details or to donate, click here.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as our walkers, Doug and Kyle, head toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 21. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

Photos by Ric Rosow

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Moose Lake, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 1:

Starting location: Duluth Fire Station #1, Duluth, MN
Finish for the day: Esko, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 60°F and cloudy

This morning at Duluth Fire Station #1, the door raised for Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode, marking the start to their more than 150-mile walk to St. Paul. Fueled by cheers from family, friends and community members, Foote and Bode wove their way through the streets of Duluth and onto the Willard Munger State Trail, completing 17 miles and finishing in Esko, Minn.

 

“It was so fulfilling to take the first steps with my brother Kyle Bode as we departed Duluth Fire Department Station 1,” says Foote. “All the weeks of training were over and the journey had finally begun. Duluth Fire had a rig protecting our backs all the way to the pedestrian walkway over Hwy 35, then we headed to the Munger Trail. What an awesome send off from MnFIRE, our family, friends and Duluth Fire. We are blessed to have so much support!”

Shout out to some very special fans who supported the Miles for MnFIRE walkers today:

• Barb Goodman, who lost her firefighter husband, Larry, to brain cancer in 2024. Bode has named Larry as one of the firefighters he is honoring with his Miles for MnFIRE journey. Barb made a poster honoring Larry and cheering on Kyle and Doug.
• Representative Pete Johnson, who is also a member of the Duluth Fire Department.
• Ric Rosow, who is photographing Miles for MnFIRE and is an event sponsor.

Ahead of today’s kick-off, MnFIRE President and Founder Mike Dobesh and Foote appeared on The Lift, a lifestyle show on WDIO (ABC). Foote was also interviewed by WCCO radio. Miles for MnFIRE continues tomorrow as the walkers make their way from Esko, through Carlton and end in Mahtowa.

This event is raising awareness and funds for firefighter health. So far, Miles for MnFIRE has raised $34,730. Our goal is $100,000. 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 our walkers, Doug and Kyle, head toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Photos by Ric Rosow

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 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.