FAQs

Why is a memorial needed?

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Minnesota has no permanent memorial honoring EMS professionals who died in the line of duty. To date, families have had no place on the State Capitol grounds where their loved one’s service is formally recognized as do police and fire. This memorial will serve all 87 counties and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Who will the memorial honor?

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It honors paramedics, EMTs, and all emergency care first responders who died in the line of duty.

Who is leading the effort?

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The Minnesota State EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial Foundation — a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) led by EMS professionals, public safety leaders, and community advocates.

What has been approved?

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This summer (2026), the State of Minnesota formally allocated a site on the Capitol grounds for the EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial — the first permanent memorial in state history honoring EMS professionals who died in the line of duty.

Where will the memorial be located?

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It will be on the Lower Mall of the Capitol grounds, directly south of the Firefighters Memorial. This area is designated for public‑service commemorative works.

How is the memorial funded?

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By state law, the memorial must be funded entirely through private donations. No taxpayer dollars may be used for design or construction.

Donate

The most impactful way to support this project is through financial contributions. Donations fund outreach, planning, site-selection work, and future design and construction efforts once approvals are finalized. Every contribution makes a difference. Learn more about the Ways to Support.

 Engage Your Network

Help us expand our reach. Introduce the project to businesses, foundations, labor unions, service organizations, civic groups, and community leaders who may be interested in supporting the memorial through donations or sponsorships. Connecting us with potential donors is one of the most valuable ways you can help.

 Volunteer

We welcome volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts, community outreach, events, administrative support, and public education. Whether you have a few hours or want to be more involved, your time and skills are greatly appreciated.

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How can I help?

How do I make a donation?

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Donations fund outreach, planning, site-selection work, and future design, construction and long-term maintenance for the memorial once built. There are several donation methods — learn more and make a donation.

Who collects the donations?

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All donations are collected and managed directly by the MN State EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 99-2463186).

Funds are used solely to support the Foundation’s mission, including site selection, planning, outreach, fundraising activities, and future design, construction, and long-term stewardship of the memorial. All contributions are handled in accordance with nonprofit governance and financial accountability standards.

How are donations used?

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Donations support the memorial project through multiple phases as it progresses:

  • Planning & Site Selection: Outreach, advocacy, and required state review processes

  • Design & Development: Professional design services and approvals once a site is finalized

  • Construction: Fabrication, installation, and related construction costs

  • Long-Term Stewardship: Ongoing care, maintenance, and preservation of the memorial

Funds are carefully managed to sustain the memorial’s development through all phases, including to ensure the memorial is properly maintained long-term.