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.

As a fire service member of 18 years, Mandee Marx is highly invested in her work as a peer supporter through MnFIRE. She says, “supporting mental health and resilience is just as important as the work we do on the front lines.”

Learn about Mandee’s role with MnFIRE’s Peer Support Program and how being there for fellow firefighters has taught her no one should carry the weight of this job alone.

Tell us about yourself, your history with the fire service and who you are outside of your role as a firefighter. 

Over my 18 years in the fire service, I’ve served in three different communities. In 2007, I began my fire service journey with the Long Lake Fire Department and then moved to Byron in 2014 and became the first female firefighter within the department. Now since 2017, I’ve worked full-time for the Rochester Fire Department.

I am the proud wife of a dedicated police sergeant – yep, we’re a police/fire house! There’s never a dull moment, which can come with its own unique set of challenges! I am also mom to three kids. When I am not serving my community, I love being outdoors and watching my youngest daughter, age 16, play in goal for her hockey team.

When and why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?  

I became a peer supporter in 2015 because I understand firsthand the unique challenges firefighters face on the job and at home. Being there for my sisters and brothers in the fire service and helping them navigate tough times is my way of making sure no one feels alone.

What are the most rewarding and surprising parts of your role as a peer supporter? 

The most rewarding part of being a peer supporter is knowing that I can make a real difference just by being present and listening. Seeing someone feeling less alone and more understood is incredibly meaningful. What surprised me the most was how the role has also given back to me. Walking alongside others through their challenges has strengthened my own resilience and deepened the bonds I share within the fire service, reminding me that we were never meant to carry the weight of this job alone.

What should others who want to become a peer supporter know? And what qualities do you think make a good peer supporter? 

As peer supporters, our role is to simply be there for fellow firefighters – to listen, understand and offer support when life gets tough. Offering them a safe space where they can share their thoughts and know that they are not alone. Sometimes it’s just listening while other times it’s connecting them to additional resources.

A great peer supporter is someone who firefighters can trust to listen without judgment and offer guidance and support during tough times. As a peer supporter, we are not there to “fix” the other person. We are there to listen and support them. We also need to take care of ourselves so we’re able to be fully present when someone needs us.

What are some of the ways you keep yourself healthy mentally and physically?

Physically, I go for runs outside and try to stay active. I do my best to eat healthy and get sleep when I can. I’ve also learned that it’s ok to say no and set boundaries. As a peer supporter, I want to be there for those who need me but if I am overwhelmed and struggling, I can’t be the peer they need.

What advice can you offer fellow firefighters who may be struggling with their mental health? What are some strategies/practices that may help?

It’s ok to not be ok. If you find yourself struggling, talk with someone you trust, don’t try and fight through these demons alone. Many of us face the same battles and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

When I become overwhelmed and start to feel like the job is taking over my life, I hit pause and do something that brings me joy and helps reset my mind.

What do you see as the most valuable component of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program? 

The most valuable component of the program is connection. MnFIRE connects a struggling firefighter or their family member with someone who truly understands the unique stresses of the job and listens without judgment. Having a shared experience builds trust and reminds firefighters they are not alone. Sometimes a simple, “Are you ok?” can make all the difference.

Help is just a call away.

MnFIRE Peer Support is a safe, confidential space to talk about hardships. Minnesota firefighters and their family members can get connected by calling our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634 and selecting option 2.

By Rochelle Hawthorne, MPNA, MS, LPC, FF/EMT-P, MnFIRE Peer Support Program Director

Sometimes when you are having a tough day, it’s nice to talk about what’s troubling you with someone who innately understands your perspective. It can be especially helpful when you are carrying the unique stresses that come with being part of the fire service.

MnFIRE’s Peer Support Team is comprised of fellow Minnesota fire service community members who are available to lend a listening ear and offer support to those who may be struggling at the fire station, on calls, at home and beyond. It’s completely confidential, an unlimited resource and available 24/7 – on the days when you feel like you’ve reached your limit, and any other time.

Here are some of the key benefits when utilizing peer support:

Mental health and emotional well-being 

• Early intervention: Sometimes firefighters are more likely to open up to peers than external professionals, allowing earlier detection of mental health issues like PTSD/PTSI, depression, or anxiety.
• Reduced stigma: Talking with peers can normalize mental health struggles, helping to dismantle the “tough it out” culture.
• Improved coping mechanisms: Peers can share practical tools and experiences for managing stress and trauma.

Increased trust and camaraderie 

• Shared experiences: Support may be best coming from someone who has “been there,” which builds credibility and deepens trust.
• Team cohesion: Encouraging open dialogue improves unit morale, cooperation and interpersonal relationships.

Resilience building 

• Stronger stress management: Ongoing support increases emotional resilience, helping firefighters bounce back from difficult calls or prolonged stress.
• Prevention of burnout: Regular peer check-ins can reduce the emotional toll that leads to fatigue or job dissatisfaction.

Crisis response and recovery 

• Support after critical incidents: Peer teams can assist in debriefings or defusings following traumatic events, helping reduce long-term psychological harm.
• Suicide prevention: By identifying warning signs and offering immediate peer-level help, these programs can be lifesaving.

Enhanced organizational culture 

• Promotes a culture of care: When leadership supports peer programs, it signals that firefighter wellness is a priority.
• Reduces absenteeism and turnover: Healthier firefighters are more likely to stay in the job and maintain consistent performance.

Accessibility and continuity 

• Available anytime: Peer supporters can be embedded within shifts or departments or can be confidentially reached by a simple phone call, providing immediate and ongoing support.
• Bridge to professional help: Peer teams can refer individuals to clinicians when needed, ensuring a continuum of care.

The MnFIRE Peer Support Program matches firefighters and family members with trained peer supporters who have a similar background – from rank to size and type of department– and know firsthand the stressors firefighters face, both on and off the job. To access MnFIRE Peer Support, contact 888-784-6634 at any time and select option 2.

Sauk Centre firefighter and EMT Andrea Kerfeld has been in the fire service for 15 years and is a recent addition to the MnFIRE Peer Support team. Andrea and her fellow peer supporters are a crucial support system for Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters and their families. They provide free and confidential support to their colleagues experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems.

Andrea shared about her time as a MnFIRE peer supporter and why she finds it incredibly rewarding to help her fire service brothers and sisters prioritize their mental health.

Tell us a little about yourself, your history with the fire service and who you are outside of your role as a firefighter?

I am a lifelong Sauk Centre resident. I’ve been married to my husband Kelly for 23 years. We have three adult daughters, Greta (22), Ellen (20) and Ava (19). My hobbies include gardening, cheering on the Minnesota Twins, and drinking coffee/socializing with friends. My full-time career is a 911 Dispatcher for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department in Alexandria, MN. I’ve been dispatching for eight years.

My journey in the fire service began a little differently than most, I would guess. As a staff writer for the local newspaper at the time, I thought it would be fun to do a ride-along with the fire department to write a more interesting story for our October Fire Prevention special edition. For approximately six months, I was given a pager and allowed to observe call responses, as well as the department’s meetings and drills. I was hooked! The experience very much reminded me of my time in the Minnesota Army National Guard, as I’d recently completed my eight-year enlistment in the military. I joined the department in March of 2010, becoming the first woman firefighter in Sauk Centre history.

Why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

I am also a member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office peer support team. Our clinician who leads our team for the County told me about MnFIRE and their peer support program. I very much enjoy my role in peer support and understood the need for more resources in the fire service. I became a peer supporter to help bring awareness to my fellow firefighters of the importance of taking care of their mental health and to help normalize conversations about mental health.

What have you found to be rewarding about your role as a peer supporter?

Learning that we all struggle. While all struggles may not be the same, many of our fears, anxieties and stressors are. I think people often feel they are the only ones experiencing something, so they keep it to themselves out of fear of being judged. When in reality, we all have more in common than not.

What is the most surprising part of being a peer supporter?

While a traumatic call or event may be the trigger or tipping point, it’s hardly the sole reason we may need to reach out for some extra support. Regardless of what we face on the fire/rescue scene, life still goes on! Marriages and relationships still need attention, kids need to be cared for, finances need to be managed, etc. I find it’s usually a combination of stressors that overwhelm a person.

For others who may want to join MnFIRE’s Peer Support program, what qualities make a good peer supporter?

I believe trust is the biggest and most important quality. If people can’t trust you to keep their conversations private, you won’t succeed. The other thing is just being a good listener. You don’t have to have all the answers or the right words. You just need to be able to listen with a compassionate heart and understanding ear.

What practices do you engage in to keep yourself mentally healthy?

I am a big believer in the “you can’t pour from an empty cup” philosophy. I try to be very conscious of my time and where it’s spent and in maintaining a healthy work/life/home balance. Saying “no” is an art I’ve only recently begun to master! Time alone, in complete silence, is a must for me. My faith is also central to my well-being. Spending time in prayer or listening to worship music is my medicine.

What do you believe is the number one thing your fellow firefighters should do to improve their mental health?

Recognize your need to address and maintain it. If you have a brain, you must be mindful of your mental health. Just like you exercise or tend to any other part of your body, realize your brain needs care and attention as well. And it’s not a contest to see who can handle the most! Especially in a male dominated industry, guys like to shoulder more than their fair share. But we can only hold so much. Having a confidential conversation with a member of the Peer Support team may be all you need to get things out in the open, process them and feel better.

What do you see as the most valuable component of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP)?

The awareness it brings to issues. We can’t correct problems unless we know about them.

Anything else you’d like to add?

As firefighters, we wouldn’t hesitate to help someone in physical danger. It’s what we do! But don’t hesitate to help someone who’s struggling mentally, either. If you see someone acting out of character, making off comments, or withdrawing, reach out. A simple text can go a long way in helping someone realize they are not alone.

Help is just a call away

MnFIRE Peer Support is a safe, confidential space to talk about what you’re going through with someone who gets it. Minnesota firefighters and their family members can get connected with a peer supporter by calling our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634, and selecting option 2.

Kyle Bode has been in the fire service for more than 20 years and he’s a proud MnFIRE peer supporter. Peer supporters like Kyle are a crucial support system for Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters and their families. They provide free and confidential support to their fire service brothers and sisters experiencing personal, emotional or work-related problems.

We sat down with Kyle to hear more about his experience with MnFIRE Peer Support and how he shows up for fellow firefighters by offering a listening ear.

Tell us a little about yourself, your history with the fire service and who you are outside of your role as a firefighter.

I was recruited by Saint Paul Fire Department’s fire chief at the gym. I had completed active-duty military and I was going to college and working at the gym. I had no clue what I was going to do. It sounded interesting so I applied for the upcoming Saint Paul test. I really didn’t expect to get hired. I remember taking the written test with 3,500 people at the RiverCentre and feeling like I didn’t have a chance. I was hired in the first class off of that list. While I waited for the academy, I was hired as a volunteer for the White Bear Lake Fire Department, where I served for a little over a year. I also served as an Air Force Reserve firefighter for 16 years and retired from the military in 2022.

I live in Blaine with my wife and four kids, ages 4, 8, 12 and 13. Outside of the fire department, most of my time is spent with my family. My wife owns a dance studio, so that also keeps me busy. I enjoy physical challenges and have competed in many marathons, a couple of Ironman Triathlons and also some long-distance rucking events. I prioritize my physical health because it helps me a lot with my mental health.

Why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

I spent several years struggling with my mental health and substance abuse. In 2022, I checked into a first responder treatment facility where I was treated for alcohol abuse and PTSD. I learned so much during that time including better ways to keep myself healthy both mentally and physically. It didn’t take me long to realize that I wasn’t alone. Once I was able to get myself in a healthier space, I realized many of my peers were having similar struggles. In my experience, it is tremendously helpful to be able to talk to another person who has gone through what you are going through, so I pursued becoming a MnFIRE peer supporter.

What is the most rewarding part of being a peer supporter?

I think just being there for another person, so they don’t feel like they are going through it alone. It’s also extremely rewarding to witness and be a part of someone’s journey to feeling better and finding a healthier place in their life.

What is the most surprising part of being a peer supporter?

Unfortunately, I think the most surprising part for me has been witnessing firsthand how many of my peers are struggling. There is a silver lining though, because I have been able to witness some pretty incredible change during that time.

What do you see as the most valuable component of the MnFIRE Hometown Heroes Assistance Program?

The program helps remove a lot of barriers. It makes it much easier for those who need help to get the help. I have sat with peers who have called the hotline and have gotten set up with a therapist, for free, that same day. MnFIRE has done the work and vetted the mental health professionals, so you get connected with the right person. I have used the HHAP and I find it very helpful.

What two suggestions would you share with every Minnesota firefighter to improve their mental health?

I think the most important thing that I would share is that it’s OK to ask for help. We all sign up to do this dangerous job, but the bravest individuals that I have seen are the ones who admit that they are not OK and need help. I also think it’s important to make diet and exercise a priority. I can’t stress enough how much it helps with our mental health. It’s the number-one medicine for our well-being, and it’s free!

Anything else you’d like to add?

In the span of eight years, I tragically lost two of my brothers from the Saint Paul Fire Department to suicide. This heart-wrenching experience underscores the urgent need for anyone grappling with their mental health to reach out for help. Remember, you are not alone. Your loved ones and those around you genuinely care and want to support you. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance.

See more stories like this in our 2024 Taking the Lead impact report.

Help is just a call away

MnFIRE Peer Support is a safe, confidential space to talk about what you’re going through with someone who gets it. Minnesota firefighters and their family members can get connected with a peer supporter by calling our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634.

Our trained Peer Support network is made up of firefighters and firefighter family members of all ranks and backgrounds from across the state, and they’re a crucial lifeline to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters and their families – from coping with difficult calls to talking through life problems like divorce or a death in the family.

Jen Elleraas, captain and training officer for Garrison Fire & Rescue, is one of those dedicated MnFIRE peer supporters. Here’s our recent interview with Jen where we learned more about the process of getting connected with a peer supporter:

Tell us a little about yourself, your history with the fire service and who you are outside of your role as a firefighter.

I have been a firefighter with Garrison Fire & Rescue since 2019. It’s a rural, paid on-call fire department in Central Minnesota. I also serve as an EMT on the department and casually for an ambulance service. Serving my community as a first responder is one of my greatest honors and has quickly grown into one of my strongest passions. My full-time career has been working in the human services industry for over 20 years. In my free time, I love lake life and spending time with my family and friends.

Why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

Firefighters are servant leaders in their communities answering the call to help others on their worst day. I’m humbled by the honor and privilege to be here to answer the call from a fellow firefighter. Being a peer supporter creates an instant connection because we speak the same language, experience similar things and can relate on the same level. Trauma and grief need a witness and I’m honored to walk beside a fellow firefighter who is bravely traveling on their journey.

What is the most rewarding part of being a peer supporter?

It’s rewarding to support a fellow firefighter and I’ve learned so much from the amazing humans I’ve had the privilege to meet. I am always in awe of the resilience, courage, compassion and commitment of firefighters, who answer the call and put their life on the line before others. It is true bravery when a firefighter answers their own call and reaches out to invest in their emotional well-being.

What is the most surprising part of being a peer supporter?

It’s surprising how much the timeline of connection can vary when supporting my fellow firefighters. Sometimes we connect for a few weeks to talk through a specific incident, and another time I supported a peer for over a year. It is a person-centered approach to benefit the specific needs of that firefighter. There is no timeline or specific commitment. If I am not the right peer match for a firefighter, the firefighter can switch – no questions asked. If a firefighter needs a higher level of care, MnFIRE offers professional counseling sessions at no cost. This program is truly focused on the firefighter to protect and prioritize their emotional health in alignment with MnFIRE’s mission.

What do you see as the most valuable component of the MnFIRE Hometown Heroes Assistance Program?

The program provides vital resources to firefighters in the research-driven areas we need most including cardiac, cancer and emotional health. It provides resources to help fill the gaps for firefighters who experience one of these industry-proven hazards. The Peer Support program is unique, pairing Minnesota firefighters with someone who shares similar experiences, creating an instant connection and trust to be able to open up on the tough stuff we face on and off the fireground.

What two suggestions would you share with every Minnesota firefighter to improve their mental health?

1.) Health is all tied together. Firefighters are often sleep-deprived, trying to grab meals on the go while we balance our family, jobs and relationships. We have to be intentional about our health. Exercise, healthy foods, hydration, laughter and sleep all play a critical role in our emotional well-being. 2.) If you see a fellow firefighter struggling, have the courage to have a conversation. The MnFIRE call line is a quick, easy way to connect someone with resources. The hardest part is making that initial call, so let’s encourage each other to make it. I promise it gets easier from there. We should be spreading the word of MnFIRE like wildfire. It is free, confidential and safe for any firefighter in Minnesota. No one fights fire alone.

See more stories like this in our 2024 Taking the Lead impact report.

Help is just a call away

MnFIRE Peer Support is a safe, confidential space to talk about what you’re going through with someone who gets it. Get connected with a peer supporter by calling our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634.

“We had an incident where a person lost their life in a grain bin. We all knew this farmer who lost his life. Once we left the scene, I knew it had touched all of us,” explained Chief Jeff Leuer of the West Suburban Fire District, a paid on-call department of 50 firefighters covering 50 square miles including stations in Loretto and Hamel.

“When I left the scene and was driving back to the station, I called MnFIRE and I said, ‘We just had this incident. I am concerned that I am going to have some people who are going to have to deal with this. What do I do? How do I direct them?’”

Fortunately, Jeff knew that confidential help was available 24/7 for any firefighter and their family through the MnFIRE Assistance Program, which targets emotional health and stress unique to the fire service through connection to mental health counseling and peer support.

The trained MnFIRE Peer Support specialist who answered Jeff’s call reassured him: We can help. Point them our way. What Jeff didn’t realize was that it wasn’t just his firefighters who stood to benefit from the program.

“That peer supporter from MnFIRE, they said, ‘How are you doing?’ They stopped me in my tracks,” said Jeff.

That simple question helped Jeff realize his bucket of stress and trauma was practically overflowing. After being in the fire service for 25 years, he could barely take it anymore. With the peer supporter’s reassurance and the offer to talk again, they hung up.

Jeff talked about the conversation with his wife and thought maybe that was it. But the next morning, he got a call from that same peer supporter, saying, “Good morning, Jeff. How are you doing today? It’s a new day. The sun is shining.”

From that day forward for about a month straight, the peer supporter would call or text him.

“While I didn’t go get formal, professional help, that person helped bring me from the really tough place I was at,” said Jeff. “‘We’ve got to get some of this stuff out of your bucket,’ they would say. I still get emotional.”

“MnFIRE, and the peer support, it means so much to me.”

And those firefighters Jeff referred to MnFIRE? Two of them told him how glad they were that someone reached out, that they had an excellent experience. Jeff said, “Even if they don’t get formal help, they are guided in the right direction.”

This incident wasn’t the first time Jeff or his team needed some help from MnFIRE, and it won’t be the last. Two of his firefighters recently experienced cardiac events and sought help from the Critical Illness benefit. And others sought out MnFIRE Peer Support when a fellow firefighter died unexpectedly in 2021.

Jeff’s department takes mental health very seriously. And talking about it, he believes, makes it easier for people to reach out when they need it.

“I have had struggles. Still today, if something comes up, I’m not afraid to give a call and talk to someone,” Jeff said. “By firefighters hearing the chiefs say, ‘I had a problem. I needed help. I reached out and it helped.’ It makes it okay for them to give a call. It’s for firefighters, and it’s for chiefs, too.”

Confidential help is available over the phone or online, anytime for any Minnesota firefighter and their family through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or click here.

To Our Minnesota Fire Service Sisters and Brothers:

Everyone at MnFIRE joins the entire state as we mourn the loss of Burnsville firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth and police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge in yesterday’s tragedy. During this difficult time, please remember that the full resources of the MnFIRE Assistance Program are available to all Minnesota firefighters and their families.

Confidential help – including connection to no-cost mental health care and peer support – is available anytime for any Minnesota firefighter and/or their family. Phone lines are answered 24/7 by Master’s-level trained mental health professionals who provide confidential support, guidance and mental health resources.

For immediate, 24/7 support call 888-784-6634.

Any member of a firefighter’s household can use these important Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) resources. Each firefighter and/or their family members can access up to five counseling visits a year (additional support is available as needed). Firefighters are also matched with a member of MnFIRE’s team of trained peer supporters who know firsthand the difficulties firefighters face and are well-equipped to walk alongside a firefighter in need as they navigate their situation.

If you’d like to talk, we’re here.

For more information or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit liveandworkwell.com, access code: MnFIRE.

Mental health conditions affect people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles in all kinds of ways. In fact, about one in five people globally live with a mental health condition. For firefighters, the rates are even higher than the general population – particularly in the areas of sleep disorders, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress injury and suicidal ideation/action.

And too many of these firefighters are suffering in silence.

Mental health conditions are treatable illnesses. Yet, despite how common mental health concerns and conditions are, stigma persists. And most people don’t seek help.

Here are seven ways you can help stop stigma, so people feel safer and more comfortable getting the help they may need:

Be kind

A simple rule of thumb is to remember people are people, not conditions. Treating people with kindness and compassion can go a long way toward creating a welcoming, supportive environment.

Study the facts

There is a lot of bad information out there. Check your source before you repeat or repost a tidbit off the internet. It may not be accurate. Consider the motivation behind a dramatic portrayal on a TV show before assuming it’s credible. Educate yourself, so you can help set the record straight. It’s best to start with legitimate resources that are committed to raising awareness and mobilizing support for mental health. The World Health Organization is a great example. Learning about common conditions, like depression, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and others, will help you spread good information.

Be an ally

Encourage respect and dignity for all people. If you hear someone saying hurtful or false things about mental health concerns or conditions, politely speak up and address it.

Talk openly about mental health

Listen respectfully and invite open conversation about the importance of mental health and well-being. People should not feel ashamed or reluctant to get the benefit of professional help.

Foster understanding

Encourage yourself and those you influence to view mental health just as you would physical health. If, for example, a friend sprained an ankle or broke an arm, you would encourage them to seek medical attention. The same should be true for mental health conditions.

Share your own experience

If you have personal experience with mental illness, consider telling others about it. Sharing your story can foster understanding and provide perspective. The MnFIRE Peer Support program provides a confidential outlet for firefighters to share what they’re going through with someone who understands.

Get involved

Around the world, people are working hard to improve mental health care perceptions, systems and policies. There are many ways to show support. Make sure you post only accurate information on your social media. Drive a friend to a therapy appointment. Make your vote count in local elections. Donate time or money to an advocacy organization like MnFIRE. Every show of support helps normalize the conversation around mental health and wellness.

The emotional and disturbing calls we go on can stick with us – and it’s important to recognize how the stresses of the job can negatively impact our mental health. MnFIRE’s emotional wellness training can help your department de-stigmatize talking about mental health, as well as provide practical information around how to properly debrief after a difficult call, ways to maintain emotional well-being and what resources are available for those who need help.

Confidential peer support and mental health resources are available to Minnesota firefighters and their families for free through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum.

 

Sources

American Psychiatric Association, “Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness.”
psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination Accessed July 17, 2023.

BetterHealth Channel, “Stigma, discrimination and mental illness.”
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/stigma-discrimination-and-mental-illness#challenging-stigma-associated-with-mental-illness. Accessed July 17, 2023.

Mind, “Mental health problems – an introduction.”
mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/stigma-misconceptions/. Accessed July 17, 2023.

NAMI, “Pledge to be stigmafree.”
nami.org/Get-Involved/Pledge-to-Be-StigmaFree. Accessed July 17, 2023.

MnFIRE’s peer supporters are a crucial lifeline to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters and their families. By matching firefighters with someone who has experienced similar struggles, we’re making it easier for folks to get the emotional support they need, while reducing the stigma around talking about mental health and suicide that has historically pervaded the fire service.

But who are these peer supporters, and what is it actually like when you call them?

We sat down for an interview with Jim Salentine, a retired Minnesota firefighter and active peer supporter, to give you another glimpse at the dedicated people behind our Peer Support program.

Tell us a little about yourself, your history with the fire service and who you are outside of your role as a firefighter?

I became a firefighter in 1992, then had a gap and came back in 2018. I’m an honor guard member. My first career was in the computer business. I retired in 2018 and prayed about what I want to do when I grow up. I made a pretty big career change from computers/systems to health care. I’m currently working in homecare as the CEO of New Dimensions Home Health Care, so very blessed to try and make someone’s day a little better.

I’m very involved with my church and on a couple of committees, and I coach basketball. My wife is my best friend; we’ve been married since 1986. We have a white Samoyed named Shiloh. I take great pride in taking care of myself both physically and mentally.

My whole goal is to give someone a four-letter word that is huge and it’s called “HOPE.”

Why did you become a MnFIRE peer supporter?

Because I truly believe the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives is what it’s all about. Everyone has a story, and they need to be heard, valued, respected and cared for.

What is the most rewarding part of being a peer supporter?

Spending time listening to people – really listening – being so thankful and saying, ‘WOW, I’ve never felt so good talking to someone about my struggles and issues. I thought it was just me and not being strong.’ I say that’s why God gave us two ears and one mouth – we’re supposed to spend twice as much time listening.

What is the most surprising part of being a peer supporter?

I wasn’t sure I had any other expectations of being a peer supporter, other than the blessings that I’ve received. Meeting people where they’re at and being a confidential resource that cares about and loves them.

What do you see as the most valuable component of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP)?

I first became a firefighter back in 1992, and I can say that I wish the HHAP would have been around then. It’s unreal all the support that someone in need can get now. The other thing that is amazing, no issue is too small nor big. You never know when a firefighter is in need of someone who understands. It’s a safe place to know you’re not alone and so many people care about you.

What advice would you give to a firefighter who is looking to improve their mental health?

What you’re experiencing isn’t unusual, you’re not alone. Spend time each day to take care of yourself, eat, sleep, exercise, pray and practice mindfulness.

How to access MnFIRE Peer Support

Call our 24-hour hotline at 888-784-6634. All calls are answered live, 24/7, by experienced mental health professionals, and they can match you with a peer supporter who has had similar life experiences. You can also get connected with a peer supporter using the new MnFIRE PeerConnect app.

Learn more about all of the emotional trauma resources available to Minnesota firefighters and their families at no cost to them on our MnFIRE Assistance Program page.