WCCO Radio Highlights MnFIRE Firefighter Training

2020 was one of the deadliest years in modern memory for Minnesota firefighters, including multiple suicides of active firefighters, numerous deaths from cancer and two Line of Duty Deaths from cardiac issues.

On Sunday, Roshini Rakjumar spoke with MnFIRE president George Esbensen on WCCO Radio’s Real Talk With Roshini about this critical time and the important training that MnFIRE is providing for Minnesota firefighters.

Thanks to a $400,000 grant, MnFIRE is working to provide no-cost training to all 22,000 Minnesota firefighters to become “MnFIRE Aware” of their own occupational risks. The training, taught by firefighters and other health experts, teaches firefighters how to protect themselves from the three most common problems experienced by firefighters: cardiac, emotional trauma and cancer, so they can continue to do their jobs and protect others.

This grant will allow MnFIRE to train every firehouse in the state (both online and in-person) and equip firefighters with knowledge and tools they need to protect their own health and is an important step toward helping to turn the tide in 2021 and beyond.

Thanks for this important conversation, Roshini Rajkumar. Here’s a link to the full interview.

Recent News

Firefighter Mandee Marx offers a trusting ear as a MnFIRE peer supporter
October 21, 2025
MnFIRE Founder and Board Member George Esbensen Honored by Twin Cities Business
October 7, 2025
Even your strong friends might need support
October 6, 2025
2025 Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service
September 30, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 9: White Bear Lake to St. Paul
September 21, 2025
Miles for MnFIRE Day 8: Wyoming to White Bear Lake
September 20, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Our gratitude goes out to all firefighters – those who have protected us in the past and those who are serving us in the present. If a loved firefighter pops into your mind, consider making a donation and writing a message for them on the MnFIRE Honor Wall. Learn more and read powerful tributes here: mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate ... See MoreSee Less

Our gratitude goes out to all firefighters – those who have protected us in the past and those who are serving us in the present. If a loved firefighter pops into your mind, consider making a donation and writing a message for them on the MnFIRE Honor Wall. Learn more and read powerful tributes here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate

Have you seen our new video? From beginning to end, it showcases the heart and goal of our work at MnFIRE: supporting the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. Watch the video on our homepage, and consider sharing with a firefighter you know! mnfireinitiative.com/ ... See MoreSee Less

Have you seen our new video? From beginning to end, it showcases the heart and goal of our work at MnFIRE: supporting the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. Watch the video on our homepage, and consider sharing with a firefighter you know! https://mnfireinitiative.com/
2 weeks ago

MnFIRE provides Minnesota’s firefighters the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health.

If you or a loved one has accessed these life-changing health and wellness resources for firefighters, we invite you to share your personal experience with us through this survey: forms.gle/RznafowU82g7fk1QA
... See MoreSee Less

MnFIRE provides Minnesota’s firefighters the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health.

If you or a loved one has accessed these life-changing health and wellness resources for firefighters, we invite you to share your personal experience with us through this survey: https://forms.gle/RznafowU82g7fk1QA
Load more
Skip to content