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

A quick guide for mindful living practices
May 7, 2025
Know the facts on testicular cancer
April 23, 2025
9 Tips to ease daily stress
April 14, 2025
Striving for better sleep on call and at home
March 18, 2025
Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to reduce cancer risk
March 7, 2025
Get a glimmer of calm, peace and joy
February 21, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Don't fore-get to register for MnFORE, presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team! The tournament is Tuesday, July 15 at Legends Club in Prior Lake, and it will surely be a day to remember. Lock in your spot today! 🏌️‍♀️ mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/ ... See MoreSee Less

Dont fore-get to register for MnFORE, presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team! The tournament is Tuesday, July 15 at Legends Club in Prior Lake, and it will surely be a day to remember. Lock in your spot today! 🏌️‍♀️ https://mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/

May is Women's Health Month, and we are committed to helping women firefighters prioritize physical and mental health all year long. Beneficial no-cost resources are available to all active Minnesota firefighters through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/ ... See MoreSee Less

May is Womens Health Month, and we are committed to helping women firefighters prioritize physical and mental health all year long. Beneficial no-cost resources are available to all active Minnesota firefighters through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program: https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

With the strenuous tasks firefighters are required to perform, we know how important it is to maintain physical fitness. By keeping our bodies moving, we also reap mental health benefits like stress relief and boosts of energy. 🏃‍♀️

Today is Global Move for Health Day – a great opportunity to consider MnFIRE fitness & nutrition training! Learn more here: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

With the strenuous tasks firefighters are required to perform, we know how important it is to maintain physical fitness. By keeping our bodies moving, we also reap mental health benefits like stress relief and boosts of energy. 🏃‍♀️

Today is Global Move for Health Day – a great opportunity to consider MnFIRE fitness & nutrition training! Learn more here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Props to Almelund Fire & Rescue for prioritizing the health and well-being of their firefighters through our no-cost MnFIRE Awareness training!

MnFIRE trainings are available to all Minnesota fire departments and can be scheduled at your convenience. Find the best fit for your department: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Props to Almelund Fire & Rescue for prioritizing the health and well-being of their firefighters through our no-cost MnFIRE Awareness training!

MnFIRE trainings are available to all Minnesota fire departments and can be scheduled at your convenience. Find the best fit for your department: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/
Load more
Skip to content