Lawmakers pitch firefighter assistance bill Minnesota firefighters stricken with job-related illnesses would receive grants from proposed "Hometown Heroes Assistance" program, an idea with bipartisan support Author: John Croman Updated: 8:34 PM CST February 4, 2021 ST PAUL, Minn — On the State Capitol grounds you'll see clear evidence Minnesota honors fallen firefighters, with a bronze memorial depicting a fireman holding a little rescued girl. There are also ceremonies each year that call attention to their sacrifices and thank surviving family members. But some lawmakers say it's time to take better care of those who are still out battling flames, men and women who are more susceptible to cancer, heart problems and crippling emotional trauma.