Media & Press Releases
For Immediate Release - February 19, 2024
The Front Line Foundation Grants Death Benefits to Support the Families of Three Burnsville First Responders Killed on Duty
Since 2018 The Front Line Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 in funding when the families of the fallen need support the most
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (February 19, 2024) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it is giving a total of $60,000 in death benefits to the families of Burnsville Police Officers, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27 and Adam Finseth, 40, a firefighter and paramedic for the city who were all killed in the line duty on the morning of February 18 while reporting to a domestic violence and hostage crisis in the city.responders.
For Immediate Release - January 22, 2024
The Front Line Foundation is Chosen to be the Benefactor of 8th Annual Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game on February 23
Proceeds for the game will help the Foundation increase their mission to support Minnesota’s first responder community
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (December 20, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today it has accepted a donation of $3,500 from Sophie Brenteson, a senior at Spectrum Charter School in Elk River. Brenteson raised the funds for TFLF by organizing a 5k run this past October. he money will be donated to our equipment fund to support Minneapolis’ Third Precinct, where Sophie’s mentor and family friend Officer Brian Heaton works. The 5k fundraiser went from a senior project to a unique partnership between a 17-year-old and a nonprofit organization that focuses on serving Minnesota’s 60,000 first responders.
For Immediate Release - December 20, 2023
The Front Line Foundation Works with High School Senior to Raise Funds to Support Minneapolis’ Third Precinct
Sophie Brenteson, a student at Spectrum Charter School raises more than $3,500 at a 5k she organized to support law enforcement workers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (December 20, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today it has accepted a donation of $3,500 from Sophie Brenteson, a senior at Spectrum Charter School in Elk River. Brenteson raised the funds for TFLF by organizing a 5k run this past October. he money will be donated to our equipment fund to support Minneapolis’ Third Precinct, where Sophie’s mentor and family friend Officer Brian Heaton works. The 5k fundraiser went from a senior project to a unique partnership between a 17-year-old and a nonprofit organization that focuses on serving Minnesota’s 60,000 first responders.
For Immediate Release - September 11, 2023
The Front Line Foundation Will Commemorate the Sacrifices Made on September 11 with a Ceremony Prior to Golf Tournament
Service before annual golf event is a somber reminder of the dangers and sacrifices all first responders face on a daily basis
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (September 11, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced news coverage from today’s annual Remembering 9.11 Golf Tournament at Edinburgh USA Golf Club in Brooklyn Park. Click the links below to view each news story.
Star Tribune: First responders remember those lost in 9/11 — and the country's unity after the tragedy
KSTP Midday News: Golf tournament to be held Monday to honor lives lost on 9/11, flags ordered to half-staff
CCX cable TV: ‘Rembering 9/11’ Fundraiser Benefits First Responder Families
For Immediate Release - August 23, 2023
The Front Line Foundation Will Commemorate the Sacrifices Made on September 11 with a Ceremony Prior to Golf Tournament
Service before annual golf event is a somber reminder of the dangers and sacrifices all first responders face on a daily basis
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 23, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today plans for its’ annual Remembering 9.11 Golf Tournament on Monday, September 11 at Edinburgh USA Golf Club in Brooklyn Park. As part of the tournament, a ceremony will take place prior to play that honors the sacrifices of those who died on duty on that day 22 years ago.
For Immediate Release - July 17, 2023
The Front Line Foundation Grants Death Benefit Support to the Family of St. Paul Firefighter Chris Parsons
Daughters of fallen first responder will receive benefit check at a ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, July 18 at SPFD Headquarters
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 17, 2023) – The The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it has given a $20,000 death benefit to the family of St. Paul Firefighter Chris Parsons of Minneapolis, who was killed in the line of duty on June 15 from a cardiac arrest caused by working conditions that day. He was 48.
For Immediate Release - May 16, 2023
The Front Line Foundation Tees Up Its’ Continued Support for Minnesota’s Brave Law Enforcement Community
The Beyond the Call of Duty Golf Tournament on June 27 will put faces to the names of those injured or killed while protecting Minnesota communities
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 16, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today plans for its’ Beyond the Call of Duty Golf Tournament that will take place on June 27 at Olympic Hills Golf Course in Eden Prairie. With a recent rise in officer-involved shootings, organizers believe it is imperative to work even harder to support Minnesota’s first responders.
For Immediate Release - April 24, 2023
The Front Line Foundaion Grants Death Benefit Support to the Family of Pope County Deputy Joshua Owen
The generosity of donors, partnerships and fundraising events make supporing first responders and their families possible
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 24, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it has given a $20,000 death benefit to the family of Pope County Deputy Joshua Owen, who was killed in the line of duty on April 15 in Cyrus, MN. Tragically, Owen was killed on his 44th birthday. Deputy Owen was responding to a call when he paid the ul:mate sacrifice to protect the community. He leaves behind a wife and son. He had been with the department for 12 years. Owen was also a proud Army veteran. He was laid to rest following an April 22 funeral at Minnewaska Area High School, in Glenwood, MN
For Immediate Release - February 9, 2023
White Bear Lake McDonald’s Restaurants Step Up to Support White Bear Lake Police Officer Ryan Sheak
The Front Line Foundation Beyond the Call of Duty Fund was established to support first responders across Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (February 9, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it has partnered with two White Bear Lake McDonald’s restaurants to further support the Beyond the Call of Duty Fund to assist White Bear Lake Police Officer Ryan Sheak, who was shot multiple times while on duty on January 24. In addition to serving as a first responder, Sheak is a current TFLF Board Member.
On Wednesday, February 15, 25 percent of all sales that take place from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. will be donated to support Officer Sheak and his family through the Beyond the Call of Duty Fund. The participating McDonald’s are located at 4950 Highway 61 (next to Rudy’s) and 2070 County Road E East (near the high school) in White Bear Lake.
WCCO TV interview aired 3.2.23 White Bear Lake officer shot while serving arrest warrant opens up about journey to recovery
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/white-bear-lake-officer-shot-while-serving-arrest-warrant-opens-up-about-journey-to-recovery/
KSTP TV story aired 3.1.23 - Officer Sheak released from hospital & Interview
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/road-to-recovery-for-white-bear-lake-police-officer-shot-on-duty/
For Immediate Release - January 29, 2023
The Front Line Foundation Creates Beyond the Call of Duty Fund to Support White Bear Lake Police Officer Ryan Sheak
Sheak, who was shot and critically injured on January 24 currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Front Line Foundation
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (January 29, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it has created a Beyond the Call of Duty Fund to support White Bear Lake Police Officer Ryan Sheak who was shot multiple times while on duty on January 24. Sheak, a board member of The Front Line Foundation remains in Intensive Care. “Having a member of our Board seriously hurt while on duty hits too close to home,” said Suzanne Holt, President, and CEO of TFLF. “We are stepping up the way we know our colleague Ryan would for any law enforcement officer injured in the call of duty.”
For Immediate Release - January 23, 2023
The Minnesota Wild Will Honor Minnesota’s First Responders and The Front Line Foundation at the Hometown Heroes Game
The Wild’s February 21 game versus Los Angeles Kings will put a spotlight on the needs and sacrifices of Minnesota’s front line workers and their families
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (January 23, 2023) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced, today that it has been once again selected to participate in the Minnesota Wild’s annual Hometown Heroes Series game on Tuesday, February 21, when the Wild host the Los Angeles Kings. The Wild’s Hometown Heroes Series helps bring attention and recognition to Minnesota’s 60,000 front line workers and first responders. This is the third time TFLF has participated in an event saluting everyday heroes.
For Immediate Release - November 8, 2022
The Front Line Foundation Grants Death Benefit to Family of Hopkins Assistant Fire Chief Who Died in the Line of Duty
The Front Line Foundation has paid out more than $320,000 in death benefits to Minnesota’s First Responders since The Foundation began in 2018
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (November 8, 2022) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it has granted a death benefit to the family of Hopkins firefighter James “Jimmy” Scanlon, 38, who was killed on duty responding to a fire call on Thursday, November 3rd, he died of cardiac arrest. Scanlon was a 14-year veteran of the department and had served as the Department’s assistant chief since 2019. Scanlon also served as dispatch supervisor and radio communications technician for the Bloomington Police Department since 2017.
For Immediate Release - October 3, 2022
The Front Line Foundation Pledges Increased Funding to Support Minnesota’s 60,000 First Responders
As law enforcement budgets are cut, The Front Line Foundation has donated more than $40,000 to police and fire departments in the last two months
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 3, 2022) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today it will give proceeds from its annual golf tournament to fund the growing requests of Minnesota law enforcement and fire departments. With widespread decreases in police and fire department funding, TFLF has determined that they need to further their philanthropy to provide resources that protect those who protect our communities. At its annual golf tournament on September 12, TFLF raised $210,000 which will immediately be used to support first responders across the state.
For Immediate Release - July 26, 2022
The Front Line Foundation Experiences a Summer of Strengthening Support and New Board Members
Two events: A car show, and golf tournament are planned for the coming months to support Minnesota’s 60,000 first responders and their families
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 26, 2022) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today it is further strengthening its commitment to Minnesota’s First Responders. The Foundation, which has now paid out $308,000 in death benefits since starting 2018, is doubling down on its outreach efforts. To do this, TFLF has added another event to its resume, and it has also added two new board members who will help the Foundation strengthen its mission.
For Immediate Release - May 23, 2022
The Front Line Foundation Grants Death Benefits to Family of Fallen Firefighter Who Died Protecting the Public from a Storm
To date The Front Line Foundation has paid out more than $300,000 in death benefits to Minnesota’s First Responders
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 23, 2022) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it has granted its first death benefit of 2022 to the family of firefighter Ryan Erickson, 63, who was killed on duty during a violent storm in Blomkest, MN in Kandiyohi County earlier this month. Erickson was a 45-year veteran of the department and its’ former chief. Erickson was on duty monitoring an incoming severe thunderstorm at his farm when a grain bin collapsed on him.
Media Release - April 13, 2022
The Front Line Foundation and the Minnesota Wild will Honor Minnesota’s First Responders at the Hometown Heroes Series Game
April 26 game versus Arizona will bring awareness to the sacrifices and needs of Minnesota’s front line workers and first responders
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 13, 2022) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced, today that it has been selected to participate in the Minnesota Wild’s annual Hometown Heroes Series game on Tuesday, April 26, when the Wild host the Arizona Coyotes.
January 21, 2022
With his retirement last week, the Front Line Foundation would like to thank Chief Medaria Arradondo for his 30 years of faithful service to the MPD and the City of Minneapolis. We are grateful for TFLF's friendship with Chief Arradondo and wish him the very best for the future.
January 12, 2022
The Front Line Foundation Will Double its Death Benefit to the Families of Fallen First Responders in 2022
Holt to lead The Frontline Foundation as president and CEO following the retirement of longtime leader Joseph Strauss
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (January 12, 2022) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today that it is beginning the new year by doubling the amount it pays in death benefits to support to the families of first responders who die in the line of duty. The Foundation is also pleased to announce that Suzanne Holt has been named the new CEO and President of TFLF.
The increase in death benefits is a clear sign of the support the Foundation has garnered since it began in 2018. TFLF will now pay $20,000 in death benefits in 2022, doubling what the benefit was in 2021. The new amount is almost ten times what the Foundation provided just four years ago when the work of the Foundation started.
“The only reason we are able to provide increased benefits is because of the generous support of our donors,” said Holt. “Without them and our expanded number of partners we couldn’t make the impact we are making today.”
The Front Line Foundation is Set to Participate in its first Give to the Max Day on Thursday, November 18
To date, The Front Line Foundation has paid out $150,000 in death benefits in less than
three years to the families of Minnesota’s fallen first responders
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (November 17, 2021) – The Front Line Foundation (TFLF) announced today plans to participate for the first time in the annual fundraiser campaign Give to the Max Day, a platform aimed to raise additional funding for nonprofit organizations like TFLF so they can do more to support the families of frontline workers that die in the line of duty.
Launched in 2009 by Minnesota Community Foundation and GiveMN, Give to the Max Day is Minnesota’s annual giving holiday. It is a special 24-hour period to highlight the work of nonprofits and schools across Minnesota, and a day for Minnesotans to donate to the causes and organizations that mean the most to them. The Foundation also offers thousands of dollars in incentive prizes to help donors make their dollars go further. This is the event’s 13th year, and over that time, it has given $250,000 to over 14,000 nonprofits and schools in Minnesota. Click here to read more
To Give To The Max Click this Link:
https://www.givemn.org/organization/The-Front-Line-Foundation
Mike and Lora Strauss are retired Minneapolis police officers who are participating in a month-long bike ride to raise money for Minnesota’s first responders. Both are part of the The Front Line Foundation. Their pedal power has raised more than $12,000 so far.
A husband-and-wife duo of retired police officers are pedaling for a purpose.
At the end of their journey, Lora and Michael Strauss will have biked 450 miles. The Strauss family isn’t doing it for the exercise — they’re doing it so we never forget the lives that were lost in the line of duty.
They’re also raising money to help the families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. So far, they’re at more than $12,000.
Front Line Steps Up To Assist Families Of First Responders
Minnesota is home to more than 60,000 first responders who aid anyone in times of need. Now, there's a way for the public to support the families of those fallen, Bill Hudson reports (2:02). WCCO 4 News At 6 – Feb. 13, 2020
CLICK HERE TO READ Press Release From 8-26-19
About the Front Line Foundation:
The Front Line Foundation began as an attempt to help and support our Fallen Heroes, including Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, EMS, and the Minnesota National Guard. The Frontline Foundation provides support to those who died while in the line of duty, by giving benefit payments to dependents of fallen first responders. Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and EMT First Responders face armed and dangerous criminals, impaired individuals wielding weapons, even emotionally charged and threatening domestic disputes. They are the Front Line Defenders of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities who face and diffuse the high-risk, frequently appalling situations we know or hear about, with disbelief, on the news. In addition to providing endowments and support for the families of fallen heroes, The Front Line Foundation will underwrite scholarships and training registration costs for Front Line personnel as well as support preparedness training for safety officers in hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Further, we assist with the purchase of needed safety and tactical equipment not currently within the budget of the local unit of government. For more information please visit www.thefrontlinemn.org