Last week Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) was recognized by The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) as a recipient of the prestigious Bronze Axe award. The award commemorates Sen. Howe’s leadership in the fight for firefighter health and wellness.

“Minnesota’s fire service is grateful for Senator Howe’s unwavering support to provide our state’s hometown heroes with the health and wellness resources they need and deserve,” said MnFIRE President George Esbensen. “The commemorative bronze axe is the highest honor we can bestow to show our appreciation for the commitment and support these legislators have demonstrated for Minnesota’s 20,000 volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time firefighters.”

Sen. Howe was the author of the key legislation establishing the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which dedicates $4 million per year to ensure that every Minnesota firefighter will have access to the education, prevention, and care needed to handle a cardiac, emotional trauma, or cancer diagnosis.

This major milestone for firefighter health in Minnesota combines three vital elements: an assistance program with expanded emotional trauma resources, an up-to-$20,000 critical illness policy, and ongoing health and wellness training. All active Minnesota firefighters – volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time – can access the MnFIRE Assistance Program, are automatically enrolled in the Critical Illness insurance policy, and can receive training – all at no cost.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Sen. Howe. “Firefighters have been putting their lives on the line every day—taking risks to keep our communities safe. It has always been a priority of mine to address the needs of these brave men and women. These heroes are the ones we call when we need assistance, and they deserve our unwavering support. I look forward to continuing this important work as we head into the 2022 Legislative year.”