Wayne Kewitsch News Today

The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative has an assistance program that provides up to five free visits with a trauma-informed clinician. The organization also runs a statewide peer support network.

The event commemorated Tommy McDonough while promoting mental health awareness among firefighters.

For a decade, Bill Ewald has put his life on the line as a volunteer firefighter for St. Bonifacius Fire Department. But now he is facing his biggest battle yet.

In 2021, the Minnesota State Legislature passed the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, dedicating $4 million per year, to provide all firefighters assistance with mental and physical health needs.

Created: February 24, 2021 10:44 PM In cases of cardiac arrest, seconds matter. According to the American Heart Association, fewer than 8% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital survive. Wayne Kewitsch has defied those odds multiple times. The now-retired Richfield fire chief suffered his first cardiac arrest in July. His son immediately started CPR and Edina paramedics used the latest technology to resuscitate him. A month later, on Friday, Aug. 21, he suffered ...