Wayne Kewitsch retires from MnFIRE

We hope you’ll join all of us in congratulating Wayne Kewitsch as he retires as MnFIRE executive director. He’s been serving the state’s fire service in this role since January 2021, always with an eye towards taking care of our firefighters just as they take care of our communities. And, he’s made sure of that – Wayne’s work contributed mightily to seeing the most comprehensive firefighter well-being legislation in the nation become a reality.

While at MnFIRE, Wayne played an instrumental role in encouraging legislators and other stakeholders to support the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP), including the MnFIRE Assistance Program with expanded emotional trauma resources and peer support, an up-to-$20,000 Critical Illness insurance policy, and ongoing health and wellness training – all at no cost to all active volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time Minnesota firefighters.

Once the HHAP was signed into law, he worked closely with employee assistance program, critical illness insurance and peer support partners to get the program up and running quickly and effectively. Wayne collaborated with MnFIRE’s marketing partners as well to ensure firefighters across the state are aware of the groundbreaking new benefits.

Also, during Wayne’s tenure, MnFIRE developed and implemented the first two Firefighter Health Forums for fire service leaders, mental health providers, medical professionals and peer supporters, with the third forum scheduled for January 2025.

Wayne began his fire service career in 1995 as a paid-on-call firefighter with the St. Louis Park Fire Department, and then for 20 years served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and Fire Chief for the Richfield Fire Department. And while his resume speaks volumes, it’s his passion for firefighter health and wellness that has driven his impact on Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters, their families and their communities.

Thanks for everything, Wayne. All of us at MnFIRE will continue to be inspired by your passion and commitment to firefighter health and wellness as we work to build upon your legacy.

Recent News

Miles for MnFIRE Day 3: Mahtowa to Sturgeon Lake
September 15, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 2: Esko to Mahtowa
September 14, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 1: Kickoff in Duluth
September 13, 2025
Suicide can affect anyone
September 9, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE: St. Paul Firefighter Kyle Bode Walks for Others
September 4, 2025
Q&A with Miles for MnFIRE Founder Doug Foote
September 4, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Sunday, Sept. 14 marked day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode trekked from Esko to Mahtowa, stopping at Carlton Fire and Ambulance and a few other picturesque spots on the Willard Munger Trail. Take a look!

To read more about today's journey, visit our blog here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-2/

To donate to the cause or learn where you can find us on the trail, click here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Sunday, Sept. 14 marked day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health. 

Walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode trekked from Esko to Mahtowa, stopping at Carlton Fire and Ambulance and a few other picturesque spots on the Willard Munger Trail. Take a look! 

To read more about todays journey, visit our blog here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-2/

To donate to the cause or learn where you can find us on the trail, click here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

Miles for MnFIRE 2025 is underway!

This morning, Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode started the more than 150-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul, all to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

To donate or read more about the event, including which communities they will be visiting on their journey, visit mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Miles for MnFIRE starts TODAY! Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are off and walking more than 150 miles to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Want to support their exciting journey with a cause? Donate before Sept. 21 to double your impact! Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. And what's more – those who donate $200 or more and receive a Miles for MnFIRE hat! Give now to make an even bigger difference for firefighters in your community: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Miles for MnFIRE starts TODAY! Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are off and walking more than 150 miles to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Want to support their exciting journey with a cause? Donate before Sept. 21 to double your impact! Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. And whats more – those who donate $200 or more and receive a Miles for MnFIRE hat! Give now to make an even bigger difference for firefighters in your community: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

It was a great day representing MnFIRE at the St. Paul Fire Foundation golf tournament at Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. We were honored to support as a hole sponsor! ⛳ ... See MoreSee Less

It was a great day representing MnFIRE at the St. Paul Fire Foundation golf tournament at Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. We were honored to support as a hole sponsor! ⛳
Load more
Skip to content