SAINT PAUL, MN – The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program passed the Minnesota Legislature providing $4 million per year to ensure firefighters have access to the education, prevention, and care necessary to address health issues that may arise from the profession. Grants will be administered through the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative and will provide up to $30,000 one-time payments to each firefighter diagnosed with cancer or heart disease. Funding may also be used for counseling programs to address emotional trauma incurred on the job. At least two hours of training will be provided to all firefighters on cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma.
“I am proud to support our firefighters, so I am very pleased that the Minnesota Legislature passed the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program during special session,” said Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove. “Firefighters do so much to serve their communities. When the unthinkable happens, they are often the first on the scene to support their fellow Minnesotans in an emergency. This program will make a huge difference in supporting our firefighters and ensuring they have access to the physical, mental, and emotional care they need to continue their work as our hometown heroes.”