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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As we close out Safety Stand Down Week, Day 5 focuses on Training, used to access existing behavioral health training and develop a long-term plan for keeping behavioral health in the department’s training cycle.

We offer a variety of trainings at no cost to all Minnesota fire departments. From emotional wellness to fitness & nutrition plus many more, you can learn and grow alongside other firefighters in your department. mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Thanks for following along with Safety Stand Down Week!

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Empower is the topic for Day 4 of Safety Stand Down Week. This day encourages firefighters to get help if they need it, reach out to those they see who are struggling, and embrace behavioral health initiatives into the department culture.

With the MnFIRE Assistance Program, we make it as easy as possible for Minnesota firefighters to get the help they need. Just call 888-784-6634. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP

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As we continue recognizing Safety Stand Down Week, Day 3 centers on Strategies. Use this day to think about specific strategies your department can implement to focus on behavioral health, and review standard operating procedures and guidelines to make sure they fully incorporate behavioral health.

Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, Minnesota firefighters can receive help and no-cost resources for the challenges that come along with their service. This comprehensive firefighter well-being program includes physical, mental and emotional health benefits: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

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It's Day 2 of Safety Stand Down Week: Educate! It's focused on educating personnel on the signs and symptoms of behavioral health challenges and that it is okay to reach out for help when needed.

We encourage all Minnesota fire departments to become "MnFIRE Aware" of their occupational health risks through MnFIRE training. Preparedness starts with education, and we're here to facilitate! mnfireinitiative.com/training/

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