Firefighting is an inherently dangerous calling and the greatest danger facing firefighters today is occupational cancer.  Almost 75% of the firefighters whose names were added to the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial last year died after battling cancer.  Included in the 469 names added to the wall in 2022 was our late brother, Mike Paidar.

On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, we will be honoring Captain Paidar with "The Paidar" Hero WOD (Workout of the Day.)  January 31st is Mike's birthday and the final day of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.  Together, we will gather to remember Mike and draw attention to this significant health issue that is affecting the Fire Service today.  The event will take place at Conway Recreation Center (2090 Conway Street  Saint Paul, MN  55119.)  We will begin with a tribute to Mike at 9:00am, followed by the workout.  There will also be opportunities to participate in the workout at 10:00am and/or 11:00am.

The workout is scalable.  Please consider joining us for the whole thing, part of it or just to gather and show your support!  Event tee shirts are available for sale through Corporate Mark.  Questions, requests for information or media inquiries should be directed to Captain Bode, Health + Wellness Coordinator for the Saint Paul Fire Department.

To request an absentee ballot, please contact a Chair Officer:

L21 President:  Mike Smith                     612.280.9434

L21 Secretary:  Kyle Thornberg              612.598.7010

L21 Treasurer:  Colin Oglesbee               651.767.2369

After a long pause due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Saint Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21 is pleased to bring back Wills for Heroes.  There is an event scheduled for members of the Saint Paul Fire Department on Monday, February 06, 2023, at the SPFD Training Division (1683 Energy Park.)

There are appointments available for 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm and 8:00pm.  They are first come, first served and will go quickly!  Please call or text Ken Zepeda at 612.867.6799 or email kenzepeda69@gmail.com.  I'm here to answer all of your questions, and to make certain that you have a will for yourself and family.  Also, if you have adult children you may want to inquire about a Medical Directive.  Thank you.

- Ken Zepeda

Wills for Heroes Disclaimer.pdf

Wills_for_Heroes_(WFH)_First_Responder_Questionnaire.doc

Please join Saint Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21 and the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters (MPFF) for the annual Fire Service Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.  The Fire Service Day at the Capitol event presents an opportunity to meet your state legislators and become a local resource for them on fire service issues in Minnesota. 

The event will be held in the Vault Room of the Capitol building. We will kick off with a legislative briefing and an opportunity to hear from speakers. Then, we will break for individual and department meetings with legislators.  You are encouraged to wear a red Fire Service Day at the Capitol polo shirt if you have one. If not, you may wear your Fire Department or Local apparel/uniform.  Please register by Noon on Friday, January 6th.  There is no cost to attend.

Agenda for Fire Service Day at the Capitol:

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Check-In (Vault Room of the Capitol)

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Guest Speakers, Lunch, Legislative Briefing (Vault Room of the Capitol)

12:00 PM – 03:00 PM: Legislative Meetings (State Office Building & Minnesota Senate Building)

After you register, the team at Lockridge Grindal Nauen will work to schedule appointments on your behalf with your state representative and state senator based on your home address and/or the city where your department is located. We will provide your meeting agenda upon your arrival at the event.  Call or text L21 Treasurer Colin Oglesbee at 651.767.2369 if you need additional information and would like to attend.  The L21 Executive Board is encouraging as many L21 Members as possible to attend if they are available.  Thank you!

Dear Members and Friends,

Unfortunately, the Rosetown American Legion will be unable to provide food for our rescheduled meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023, due to ongoing problems related to water damage.  After careful consideration, the VFF Executive Board decided to cancel the regularly scheduled December meeting.  We expect things will be resolved by our next meeting on Thursday, March 09, 2023.

The bar at the Rosetown American Legion will be open on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 11am for anyone who would like to get together for a beverage, pizza and fellowship.  Please stop by.

Any questions, please call me and I look forward to seeing everyone in March.  

Best wishes to all for a safe and happy New Year!

Tim Wirth, President

(651) 247-4775

Saint Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21 is proud to announce that our 8 newest members will be hitting the streets, some reporting for duty as early as this Saturday on New Year's Eve.  Their graduation is some much needed relief to our frontline that is responding to a record-breaking 60,000+ calls for service in 2022.

This group is eager after 14 weeks of a grueling Fire Academy that is notorious for high intensity training and peak physical conditioning.  All of which rose to the occasion, tackled the challenges and have earned their place amongst our Membership.  We are excited about your accomplishments and excited to welcome you to the ranks of Firefighters!

Congratulations and we'll be working together soon!

RESCHEDULED