DECC Hosts Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Conference

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Annual Conference has kicked off at the DECC.

Over 500 attendees from fire departments across the state gathered to learn more about the latest and greatest in tactics, equipment firetrucks, and resources. They’re doing two days of training and workshops. That being said, the DECC is hosting also a vendor show. Being able to meet up and discuss these topics, is especially important.

“It’s all about interacting with the other departments. Learning the best practices of what the other departments are doing. And then seeing the latest and greatest technology that’s available to our service,” said Bill Ewald, Chief 2, St. Bonifacius.

Another thing that the departments are discussing in the workshops is the free mental health and wellness resources.

“Some of the topics are tactics based. A lot of the topics here are based on mental wellness, dealing with the effects of PTSD. So, we have an emotional side of the conference too where it’s not just about equipment, not just about tactics, but about the health and wellbeing of our firefighters when they go home at night,” said Eric Bullman, President of MN Fire Chiefs Assoc.

The conference with the firefighters is crucial for public safety, and efficient teamwork.