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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Ease and relief: two things that the Critical Illness Program aims to provide to each recipient.

All active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in MnFIRE’s Critical Illness Program, which provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 after diagnoses of critical illnesses such as cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder or a heart attack. Find out more here: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI
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Ease and relief: two things that the Critical Illness Program aims to provide to each recipient.

All active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in MnFIRE’s Critical Illness Program, which provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 after diagnoses of critical illnesses such as cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder or a heart attack. Find out more here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI

Props to our Buddy Mericle of Keewatin Fire Department – our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! 🙌

Your department could be the next to gain important occupational health knowledge through MnFIRE training! Sign up today: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
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Props to our Buddy Mericle of Keewatin Fire Department – our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! 🙌

Your department could be the next to gain important occupational health knowledge through MnFIRE training! Sign up today: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Firefighting is a demanding, selfless job that often doesn't leave much room to focus on your own personal needs. Even when days feel too full, finding time for self-care will keep you feeling full inside.

From breathing fresh air, to laughing with loved ones, or simply doing nothing – do what you need to do to care for yourself today and always. 🚒❤️

#InternationalSelfCareDay
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Firefighting is a demanding, selfless job that often doesnt leave much room to focus on your own personal needs. Even when days feel too full, finding time for self-care will keep you feeling full inside.

From breathing fresh air, to laughing with loved ones, or simply doing nothing – do what you need to do to care for yourself today and always. 🚒❤️

#InternationalSelfCareDay
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