Resources available to Minnesota firefighters

Firefighting is a dangerous job. Obviously, they are the ones running into the fire, but there are also some less-immediate issues firefighters face, including a high risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and PTSD.

The non-profit MnFIRE was created to help. It is funded in part by the 2021 Hometown Heroes Act and also donations.

The majority of firefighters in Minnesota are volunteers. Only 1 in 10 are career firefighters. So the reality is many are making sacrifices to protect our lives and property.

“They have a day job,” Rebecca Otto, the Executive Director of MnFIRE explains. “They have families and everything else, but firefighters also face trauma in the work that they do, and everyone responds differently.”

Otto says that fatal accidents, especially ones involving children, is what she hears are the hardest for firefighters.

MnFIRE’s message to firefighters is help is available. They have 24/7 helpline with free confidential help over the phone that provides mental health support to active Minnesota firefighters and their families. There’s also a peer support program. MnFIRE will send someone to a fire department to help after a particularly difficult or traumatic call.

Firefighters can also access five free visits with a trauma-informed therapist who knows what firefighters face. There are more sessions available if further issues arise.

Then, there is a critical illness insurance program to alleviate the financial burden of firefighters. Otto tells WDIO, “We’ve been told by firefighters, this saved my home.”

View these resources and more on MnFIRE’s website.