Minnesota Agencies

(1) Review fire service training needs and make recommendations on training to Minnesota fire service organizations; (2) Establish standards for educational programs for the fire service and develop procedures for continuing oversight of the programs; and (3) Establish qualifications for fire service training instructors in programs and establish standards under which reimbursement will be provided for training and education.

The Board was created by the Legislature in 2000 and had been scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2003. However, the Board continued to meet despite the sunset provision, according to the House Research Department. Under 2005 Minn. Laws Chap. 110, the Board was revived and the statute reenacted. The bill also ratified all Board action taken from Dec. 31, 2003 to May 27, 2005, the effective date of the new law.

The 2009 Minnesota Legislature passed a bill making Minnesota the first state in the nation to license firefighters. The Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) was designated to be the licensing agency. In doing so, this altered the MBFTE's enabling legislation to define and direct the Board on how the licensing process should be conducted in Minnesota.

14 members, 13 appointed by the Governor. Five representing the MN state fire department association, four of whom are volunteers and one a career firefighter; two of the MN state fire chiefs association (one a volunteer); two of the MN professional firefighters association (one a volunteer); two of the MN home rule charter and statutory cities; two of MN towns; the Commissioner of Public Safety or the commissioner's designee; one public member not affiliated or associated with any member or interest represented in clauses 1 to 6.

Appointing Authority: Governor