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Golden Valley Fire Department makes history
Chief Bethany Brunsell is the city’s first female fire chief and was sworn in April 16.
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — For the first time, a woman is leading the Golden Valley Fire Department.
Chief Bethany Brunsell was sworn in this week and her promotion is quite rare. Across the country, women make up only 9% of all firefighters — and even fewer become chiefs.
“I taught kids how to play the violin and recorder and never imagined that years later I would be a firefighter, much less the fire chief,” said Chief Brunsell.
The 47-year-old was a middle school music teacher before making what she calls a second career change, despite never seeing a female firefighter when she was growing up. It helped that she got started in her hometown that had been asking for more on-call firefighters nearly 15 years ago.
“I really didn’t think I’d get hired as a firefighter, I didn’t think I fit the mold of what my own stereotype of what a firefighter was,” said Chief Brunsell. “But then I absolutely fell in love with this job.”
She served with two other departments before landing in Golden Valley, making history even back then as the first ranking woman — an officer — but one, still fighting to belong.
“I’ve been asked if I’m a real firefighter, I’ve been asked if I had to pass the same physical test that the men have to pass,” said Chief Brunsell. “I’ve been asked if I’m allowed to drive the fire truck, I’ve been asked if I’m qualified for the job. It’s been a lot out there in the general public that treat me differently.”
Chief Brunsell says she relies on her teaching skills to educate others about women and firefighting and stays calm rather than let their biases anger her.
“If I can stay calm and be gracious and try to educate them, I think it goes a lot further if I were to let my blood boil and lash out and be angry because that’s not going to help change their view of me or women in the fire service,” said Chief Brunsell.
There are about 20,000 firefighters in Minnesota and very few are women and even fewer are chiefs. In fact, Brunsell’s promotion makes her only the third female fire chief across the state. Nationally, less than 10% of firefighters are women and half of those are chiefs.
But as short-staffed fire departments still need to attract recruits, Chief Brunsell is now leading the charge.
“Seeing someone who looks like you makes it feel a little safer to ask the questions that a lot of women may be nervous about asking a man about,” said Chief Brunsell, who is no doubt, destined to make a difference.
“I’m proud to be one of them; I look forward to the day when there’s more,” said Chief Brunsell.
Right after Chief Brunsell was swore in on Tuesday, the city council proclaimed May 4th as International Firefighters Day — a way to remember a firefighter’s sacrifice and thank those who are still serving.
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The driver of a dump truck died in a Ramsey County crash. Officials say the truck caught fire, but passersby were not able to get them out.
MOUNDS VIEW, Minn — The driver of a dump truck died Tuesday after losing control of the truck and hitting trees before it caught fire.
According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, it happened on I-35W at Highway 10 at about 12:45 p.m.
The investigation is still underway, but authorities say it’s seems the driver lost control of the truck and went off the roadway. No other vehicles were involved.
The sheriff’s office told KARE 11 the truck caught fire. First responders and passersby tried to get the driver out of the cab but weren’t able to. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Essentia Health will no longer accept in-network providers for Medicare Advantage plans administered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.
DULUTH, Minn. — Essential Health is planning to no longer serve as an in-network provider for Medicare Advantage plans administered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana, as of Jan. 1 2025.
In a press release Tuesday, Essentia Health said it comes down to UnitedHealthcare and Humana delaying and denying approval of care at “more than twice the rate of other Medicare Advantage plans.”
“Like many other health systems, we have been re-evaluating our participation in Medicare Advantage plans that place added strain on our patients by too often denying or delaying their care,” said Dr. Cathy Cantor, Essentia’s chief medical officer for population health in a press release.
Cantor added that this decision was not “made lightly” and that because of frequent denials “this is the right thing to do for the people we are honored to serve.”
HealthPartners made a similar announcement earlier this summer, saying their decision came after a year of negotiations.
“UnitedHealthcare delays and denies approval of payment for our patients’ Medicare Advantage claims at a rate unlike any other insurer in our market. At times, this denial rate has been up to 10 times higher than other insurers we work with. UnitedHealthcare’s practices create unnecessary waits and delays for you, and they interfere with our ability to provide you with timely and appropriate care,” the July press release stated.
Essentia Health said on Tuesday that patients with UnitedHealthcare or Humana Medicare Advantage plans can find an alternative option during Medicare open enrollment, which goes from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Essentia Health operates healthcare facilities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
The new local nonprofit is looking to take some of the stigma out of mental health.
A new local nonprofit is looking to take some of the stigma out of mental health.
Heroes on the Hill looks to unite law enforcement officers, EMS workers and veterans alike in their cause.
“First responders and military veterans face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being,” the organization explains on its website. “The stress and trauma associated with their service can lead to various behavioral health issues, including PTSD, depression and anxiety. Often, the financial burden of seeking proper care becomes an additional obstacle.”
Last weekend, they hosted an inaugural 12-hour relay at Buck Hill for the cause.
“We just want to continue to grow this and have more awareness and bring more people to our facility to cheer us all on and support these wonderful heroes,” said Heroes on the Hill founder Johnny Surprise.
“Every single day they get out there and are on the front lines and we need to make sure that we’re taking care of them too,” said Minneapolis city council member Emily Koski.
Six teams ran for 12 hours straight, comprised of both heroes and civilians.
To learn more about the organization, visit heroesonthehill.com.
