Why We Give: Minneapolis Fire Foundation

Why We Give: Minneapolis Fire Foundation By KSTP Why We Give: Minneapolis Fire Foundation KSTP is excited to present our annual #whywegive initiative. KSTP supports a variety of charities throughout the year by running Public Service Announcements and airing the amazing stories demonstrating the impact that these organizations have in our community. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS supports the Minneapolis Fire Foundation , whose main goal is the health and wellness of firefighters. As anchor Megan Newquist explains, the foundation helps by purchasing equipment and safety gear the city budget may not cover. Founded in 1879, the Minneapolis Fire Department has served city residents for almost 150 years. Two months ago, the city hired its 19th fire chief, Reginald Freeman, who comes to Minneapolis with 25 years of fire experience. “There is so much opportunity to do great things,” Freeman said. “We have world class firefighters here in the city of Minneapolis, and I am so honored to serve them as their chief.” “They’re always looking for different ways to be exceptional – they never rest on their laurels – and they are 100% committed to our residents and the city,” Freeman added. Under Freeman are 400-plus firefighters who face risks of injury, illness and death. Freeman said those risks can include cancer. “We have a 33% higher chance of getting cancer than your average citizen,” Freeman said. “The foundation – since 2023 as you mentioned – has been instrumental in assisting the MFD in ensuring they have a very sound health and wellness program,” Freeman said. The foundation is working to equip each of the city’s 19 fire stations with a sauna. It also is working to provide cardiac scans and cancer screenings for firefighters. “That early cancer detection is critically important to our members and the foundation has and will continue to help us champion that,” Freeman said. The foundation says time in a sauna after a fire can help rid the body of toxins. That’s why we give. What’s your cause?