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.

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Our Miles for MnFIRE walkers have completed 94 miles of the 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul -- and they are still smiling!

Here's an on-the-road update from Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode as they reflect on crossing the halfway point, a major milestone on day five of their nine-day journey.

Read the full recap on our blog: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-5/
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It's day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and there's still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Its day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and theres still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul.

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits!

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Let's go!

Read more day 4 highlights here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/
... See MoreSee Less

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul. 

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits! 

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Lets go! 

Read more day 4 highlights here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
2 days ago

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
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