Marc Klaith
As the former Marshall Fire Chief, I’ve witnessed firsthand the escalating crisis in the Minnesota fire service one that is costing firefighters their lives. The high incidence of illness particularly cardiac, cancer and mental health challenges is alarming and requires an immediate response. In January 2020, Howard Lake Fire Chief Daryl “Taddy” Drusch died of a heart attack just hours after responding to an emergency call. Fridley Fire Chief Mike Spencer also died from a cardiac line of duty-death in September 2020. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of firefighters nationwide and is by far the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. According to the International Association of Firefighters, more than 12 percent of all firefighters will develop heart disease at some point in their lives.
The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) was launched in 2017 as an innovative and inclusive approach to unify and spark conversations among firefighters, their families, their communities and state policymakers regarding firefighter health.
Lawmakers pitch firefighter assistance bill
Minnesota firefighters stricken with job-related illnesses would receive grants from proposed Hometown Heroes Assistance program, an idea with bipartisan support Author: John Croman Updated: 8:34 PM CST February 4, 2021
ST PAUL, Minn On the State Capitol grounds you ll see clear evidence Minnesota honors fallen firefighters, with a bronze memorial depicting a fireman holding a little rescued girl. There are also ceremonies each year that call attention to their sacrifices and thank surviving family members.
But some lawmakers say it s time to take better care of those who are still out battling flames, men and women who are more susceptible to cancer, heart problems and crippling emotional trauma.