Minnesota State Senator Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont) has been named 2021 Legislator of the Year by the Minnesota Professional Firefighters. Senator Rosen received the award for her work on the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which addresses the alarmingly high incidence of cancer, cardiac issues, and emotional trauma facing firefighters across the state. Minnesota currently has 22,000 firefighters that will benefit from the program.

“I am so incredibly grateful for this award,” said Sen. Rosen. “Firefighters are a core part of protecting our communities. They put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe, and many of them have experienced trauma or contracted cancer or other diseases because of it. Getting this Hometown Heroes bill done was just one small way we can show our appreciation.”

Senator Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) and Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) were also named Legislators of the Year by MPFF for their work on Hometown Heroes.

Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters is made up of 1,900 members who are career, union firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers. The association advocates for its members’ health and safety, fair wages, dignified retirements, and obtaining the necessary resources for its members to serve the public safely and effectively.