Jake LaFerriere Day!
As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Frey took a moment to announce that January 18 was Jake LaFerriere Day! The proclamation (see below) details Jake’s character, leadership, accomplishments and his service to community.
It was a touching moment. There wasn’t a dry eye. It was very deserving and the best part, he was surrounded by:
Minneapolis Council Member Lisa Goodman - a highly respected leader who has served Ward 7 for 25 years and listened to Jake in 2017 talk about this project and knew she had to help make the introductions and connections the foundation would need,
Hennepin Healthcare CEO Jennifer DeCubellis - a passionate and compassionate leader who has supported this community partnership that she appreciates because of what we have done for many Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center patients and families
Chris Sherman - who has been instrumental in getting the approvals, financing and construction partners aligned,
Burn Surgeon Dr Jon Gayken - who shared this vision many, many years ago with Jake to improve support for families of survivors
… and his best friend & board Chair, Chris Dunker - who has been lock step with Jake and shared the passion, determination and persistence it took to open our doors.
Join us in congratulating Jake on this honor!!
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The Proclamation
WHEREAS, Jake LaFerriere has been a Minneapolis firefighter and nonprofit leader; and
WHEREAS, our city is a better place for his presence and support of the burn survivor and first responder community; and
WHEREAS, following the traumatic events of his line of duty injury in July 2010 that Jake would have the courage, tenacity and heart to create Firefighters For Healing – a nonprofit whose mission is to support burn survivors and help first responder pivot after a line of duty injury or medical diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Jake channeled his energy into building a board of directors who could help raise funds to open Camp RED – a residential camp for burn survivors between the ages of 6-16 years old to experience community, build confidence, learn ways to embrace their scars and just have fun again; and
WHEREAS, Jake’s thin space moments aligned him with the Kraus Anderson partners who could help provide temporary emergency housing at HQ for patient families; and
WHEREAS, Jake’s vision to address the gap in support for families was validated when this emergency housing model had high demand, waitlists, countless testimony from families and community support to expand again; and
WHEREAS, anyone who knows the stress of navigating life after trauma, can appreciate the relief that this first of its kind Transitional Healing Center will provide to patients in transition and families in crisis; and
WHEREAS, his humble servant heart and powerfully compelling story of dedication to purpose, has attracted the attention of local and national media organizations, inspiring countless individuals to help when and where you can; and
WHEREAS, Jake has received many awards and recognitions for his work, including receiving a Military Order of the Purple Heart for First Responders Award and being the very first recipient of The Red Bandana Hero Award from the American Heroes Channel; and
WHEREAS, Jake’s good work and generous act of service has been acknowledged and applauded by many, Jake consistently remains humble, giving all the glory to his God; and
WHEREAS, Jake is treasured by the many nurses, burn surgeons, healthcare heroes, his firefighter community, his board of directors and legions of volunteers who have had the privilege of knowing or serving alongside him.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JACOB FREY, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis,
do hereby proclaim January 18, 2023, as