$1 million from state fire safety accounts will now help fund wellness screenings for Minnesota fire fighters.
The decision came following a recent recommendation from the state's fire service advisory committee to use the extra funds.
Local medical teams will use ultrasounds to screen 2,000 active firefighters for early signs of hidden illnesses like cancer and cardiac trouble.
"And I believe this funding does a great job and takes a big step in helping support our fire departments, so that they can create safer communities where they work and where they operate," State Fire Marshal Dan Cryer explains.
It's a part of a larger $12 million financial package that also distributes millions to support training and equipment upgrades.
"This money will go to a noninvasive screening of organs of major blood vessels and hopefully give that early detection to some potential serious issues," Cryer adds.
The package will also help departments update old gear, buy specialized hazmat response tools, and cover essential training.
