Minnesota State Fire Department Association

06/09/2026

🚒 Registration is now open for the 2026 MSFDA Conference!

Reserve your spot today. We can't wait to see you there!

05/13/2026

HUGE news from the state capitol tonight:

The Minnesota Legislature has passed legislation that will add cancer as an eligible condition for the state Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB), which is a benefit paid to the families who lose a firefighter or police officer in the line of duty. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.

Cancer is the most common cause of firefighter LODDs—this law ensures those who make the ultimate sacrifice are treated the same, no matter if the cause is cancer, heart disease, stroke, or injuries sustained at a fire.

This law mirrors the federal HONOR Act passed in December last year, which ensures families of firefighters who perish from job-related cancer receive the federal PSOB, and they will now receive the Minnesota PSOB too.

This massive legislative victory represents years of hard work by the MPFF board, especially by President Scott Vadnais, who has worked tirelessly this session to push for this bill until it became law.

Special thank you to Senator Judy Seeberger and Representative Pete Johnson for leading the charge on this bill in their respective houses. Thank you to Representatives Kelly Moller and Paul Novotny for finding the vehicle to move the bill through the legislature, and to Senator Erin Murphy for getting this bill added in late into the session.

Thank you especially to Julie Paidar, who has been a champion of this legislation and a driving force that inspires all of us.

Lastly, thank you to all of our members across Minnesota. Your support and participation in this union is what makes change like this possible, and you are who we fight for every year at the Capitol. It’s an honor to serve our members!

05/04/2026

Don't miss out on this opportunity!

🔥May 4-7 ONLY: Apply for a $10,000 Fire Department Grant!

State Farm® and the NVFC are teaming up again to support volunteer fire departments through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

$1.5 million in grant funding will be awarded to 150 departments — each receiving $10,000 to purchase critical equipment that boosts firefighter safety and performance.

📍 States with 10 or more eligible applications are guaranteed at least one grant recipient.

The application period will be open from noon ET on May 4 to noon ET on May 7.

Don’t wait – prep your application now with guidance, FAQs, and more!

www.nvfc.org/statefarm

04/29/2026

Registration for the 149th Annual Conference and Fire School is now open!! https://www.msfda.org/annual-conference

04/27/2026

We had a successful Fire Service Day at the Capitol. Thank you to everyone who participated in advocacy efforts!

04/23/2026

Don’t miss the application window!

04/19/2026

Our deepest condolences to Captain Cuzzupe’s family, friends and fire family.

It is with deep sadness that I share the unexpected passing of Fire Captain Anthony “Tony” Cuzzupe on April 17, 2026.
Tony began his service with our department as a Reserve Firefighter on June 17, 2002, where he earned his Firefighter and EMT certifications. He was appointed to the Paid-On-Call Division on July 1, 2003, and hired as a full-time firefighter on September 13, 2005. Tony was promoted to Fire Captain on October 27, 2016.
I had the privilege of working alongside Tony for several years when I was a Fire Captain. In the fire service, people often talk about brotherhood, but it is difficult to fully understand unless you have lived it. It goes beyond trust on the fireground. It is built over countless 24-hour shifts, shared challenges, and a level of connection that stays with you for life.
Tony was not only a trusted colleague, but a close friend. He was one of the most competent and compassionate firefighter/EMTs I have had the honor to work with.
Throughout his career, Tony made a lasting impact on our department, the fire service, and the thousands of people he served in our community. His presence in the firehouse and on the job will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Tony’s family, friends, coworkers, and all who knew him.

— Fire Chief Daniel O’Brien

04/14/2026

We had some Minnesota departments benefit from this grant last year. Let’s do it again! Please note the very short application period-don’t miss out on this opportunity!

In 2025, a total of $1.5 million was awarded in the form of $10,000 grants to 150 volunteer fire departments across the U.S.

04/11/2026

The MSFDA Board of Directors met today at the MN Firefighters Museum for our Spring Board Meeting. A full agenda and great discussion! Thank you to MN Firefighter Initiative President Mike Dobesh for joining us and sharing an update.