Hero of the Month - November 2021
The November Hero of the Month
is Doug Foote, Chanhassen Fire Department
nominated by Paula Wilhelm
The image was pure Americana: A firefighter in gear, holding a flag, walking beside a fire truck with its flashing lights on. Chanhassen firefighter Doug Foote walked 200-miles in September to show support for firefighter health and high mortality rates among fellow firefighters in an effort called Miles for MnFire. The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative helps firefighters protect themselves from cancer, cardiac arrest, and suicide that are killing them at higher rates than the general public. Foote raised a great deal of money for MnFire and when it comes to higher firefighter mortality, he hopes his walk is a step in the right direction.
"Time is ticking on your life and if you don't take care of some of this stuff you are going to be taken out," Firefighter Doug Foote shared.
George Esbensen, president of MnFIRE and a retired Eden Prairie fire chief, said that during his 32-year career there were moments he experienced that weighed heavily on him and other firefighters.
“I went to countless fatalities and was right there at the moment when somebody took their last breath or I saw a very messy situation — car accidents, gunshots, all kinds of horrible things,” Esbensen said. “I didn’t come out of the womb with some special genetics that made me impervious to seeing other people’s very worst and tragic days.”
With the support of family, friends and the firefighter community Doug started the week in the far west in Marietta, Minnesota. He averaged about 30 miles a day and was accompanied by fellow firefighters and their families. He reached his final destination, the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, on Saturday September 18. The journey was well documented and included stops in Madison, Montevideo, Hutchinson, Chanhassen, Minnetonka and St Paul.
Even with the modifications to change out boots for quality sneakers and lighter turn out gear pants to avoid heat exhaustion, the trek was strenuous.
"I would definitely say it’s the most challenging, physical thing I have done so far," said Chanhassen firefighter Doug Foote.
“It’s quite the journey for Doug,” Esbensen said. “He’s an amazing athlete, he’s an amazing firefighter. He has a passion for his fellow firefighters and their well-being, and we’re just so glad that he was willing to undertake this and help us spread the message about firefighter wellness and stepping up for your local firefighters.”
The walk supports the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), an organization dedicated to providing the state’s firefighters with resources and tools to prioritize and protect their health. It's focused on three main areas: cancer, cardiac issues and emotional trauma. MnFIRE launched a 24-hour peer support hotline for firefighters struggling with mental health issues in 2018.
Join us in honoring Firefighter Doug Foote as the November 2021 Hero of the Month for his strength, perseverance and tenacity. We appreciate his passion to spotlight these issues and fundraise in such an incredible way. The money raised will truly be a blessing to many firefighters in need.
If you were inspired, we encourage you to volunteer, donate, bring paracords to your community, or nominate a first responder or burn survivor who deserves to be recognized as a hero.