Rep. Knudsen Highlights Passage of Firefighter Line of Duty Death Benefit Expansion

St. Paul, MN — Rep. Knudsen (R – Lake Shore) is highlighting the successful passage of legislation this session to expand line of duty death benefits for part-time and paid on-call firefighters, ensuring more Minnesota public safety heroes and their families receive the support they deserve.

The policy, originally introduced as HF2817 by Rep. Knudsen, extends critical death benefits coverage to firefighters who have historically been excluded despite making up the overwhelming majority of fire service personnel in Greater Minnesota. Approximately 97% of firefighters in Greater Minnesota serve in part-time or paid on-call roles.

“With the recent wildfires across Minnesota, we have seen firsthand the dangers our firefighters face every day to protect our communities,” said Rep. Knudsen. “These men and women answer the call at all hours, often balancing their service alongside full-time jobs and family responsibilities. They deserve to know that if tragedy strikes in the line of duty, their families will be supported.”

Rep. Knudsen worked throughout the legislative session to advance the proposal and build bipartisan support for the measure, which has now passed the Legislature and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

“This legislation is about fairness, respect, and recognizing the sacrifices made by firefighters across Greater Minnesota,” Knudsen said. “I am proud and honored to support these public safety heroes and fight for the protections they have earned.”

The expanded benefits will help ensure families of fallen part-time and paid on-call firefighters have access to the same critical support provided to other first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty.