In 28 years as firefighter, Duluth Fire Chief Dennis Edwards has witnessed a lot of real-life drama and genuine heroics. He's also seen the toll it takes on people in his profession.
"In those years I’ve seen way too many of my friends, my families and my colleagues suffer to cardiac disease, cancer and mental health trauma," Chief Edwards told Capitol reporters Tuesday.
"In the Minnesota fire service, we’re doing the best we can to change the outcomes of those three leading killers of firefighters, but we need help."
Edwards was one of contingent of first responders who spoke in support of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which is envisioned in bills making their way through the House and Senate.
Sen. Steve Cwodzinski of Eden Prairie, who is leaving the charge in the Senate, said firefighters seem like superheroes for the work they do but are especially susceptible to chronic illnesses.