Family of Fallen Firefighter recieves Foundations Death Benefits

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.

This death benefit to Erickson’s family brings the total amount TFLF has paid out to families since its beginnings in 2018 to $308,000.

“I've spent time reading about and reflecting on Ryan's life of service. It is inspirational to hear that he joined the fire department at age 18 and spent his entire adult life serving his community,” said Suzanne Holt, TFLF President and CEO. “We are humbled to be able to support the family of this selfless hero after he paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting his community.”

Erickson was not only a veteran firefighter. He also was active in the Blomkest area, including service on the township board and the Kandiyohi Cooperative Board.

Founded in late 2018, The Front Line Foundation was formed to support Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, EMTs and members of the National Guard across Minnesota, to grant financial support to families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. The Foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap between the death and benefits being paid, which can help families with ongoing expenses. The Foundation also provides support in the purchase of tactical equipment for first responders which is not included in department budgets.

“We are very honored to be able to help families when they need it most,” said Holt. “A tragedy like this gives us pause to remember all of the sacrifices our first responders make every day.”

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, EMTs, 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

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