In order to qualify for Duty Disability benefits under the PERA Police and Fire Plan or the PERA Correctional Plan, a police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer will need to demonstrate that he or she has a condition that is expected to prevent him or her from performing the normal duties of the position for a period of not less than 12 months as a direct result of an injury incurred during the performance of inherently dangerous duties that are specific to the position. See Minn. Stat. § 353.01, subd. 41 and Minn. Stat. § 353E.001, subd, 1.

Forward by Ron Meuser, Jr.

Jen Yackley & I originally met with Dana (who wrote the story below), her husband Ed & his service dog Rex to hear their story and learn how I can help. They founded an organization called Solder’s 6 whose mission is to provide honorably discharged veterans, police officers, and firefighters with specially trained K-9 dogs. The support they provide these brave individuals is nothing short of amazing and, unfortunately, very needed. We hear from our police officer & firefighter clients with PTSD that the suffering doesn’t end when the job is over and many don’t want the job to end. Dana and Ed’s story is very real, heartbreaking, and a reminder that we must be continuously supportive in any way we can.  Please join Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. in supporting this worthy organization by going to https://www.soldiers6.com/how-can-i-help

Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. is actively involved in the legislative session addressing issues that are important to our law enforcement officers & other first responders. Over the past several months Firefighters For Healing worked with Senator Champion and Representative Dehn to draft 2 legislative bills in support of our Transitional Healing Center for first responders, burn survivors and their families connected by skyway to Hennepin Healthcare. We believe that Minnesota first responders deserve a place to stay should they find themselves in the Twin Cities after an injury or medical diagnosis. There is currently a bill on the house floor which provides for funding towards building a 15,000-square-foot Transitional Healing Center that will offer FREE overnight stays in 1-2 bedroom apartment for qualifying first responders and their families seeking medical care whether it’s for work or non-work related illness or injury. Click here to learn more about the bill on the House Floor (HF 3366) and click here to learn about the bill on the Senate Floor (SF 2975).

By May 8, will you please contact Senator Senjem and/or Representative Mary Murphy to show support of these bills that would provide funding for this building and the skyway that would connect it directly to Hennepin Healthcare?

In Minnesota there is actually a presumption between firefighters and certain types of cancer based on research that is being done. The authority on this is the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and as we learn more about the different types of cancers and carcinogens, it has an effect on the law and the ability for injured firefighters to bring a claim. This can also have effect on the statute of limitations. If the firefighter has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important that they reach out and talk to someone who specializes in this area of the law. That way they can get the latest information on their ability to bring a claim.