Page 12 - 2019 MPMA Summer Profiles

Walk a Mile

in His Shoes

Podiatric Care

Helps Firefighter

Get Back on His

Feet Again

Joe Warne, a firefighter and community activist, took four days
on his days off to walk across the state. He donned a full fire suit and
equipment, weighing in excess of 60 pounds, for the entire 143-mile
trek from Macomb Township Fire Station No. 2 to Kentwood Fire
Station No. 1.
The reason for this walk was to raise funds and awareness for
firefighters with cancer. According to Warne, so many of his fellow
firefighters are being diagnosed with cancer and he wanted to do
something about it.
“Cancer is the number one killer of firefighters. I know there’s
been some state money that’s been made available, but we know there’s
always a need for more and firefighters are the last people to ever say
they need help,” stated Warne.
This is the first year Warne has completed this walk with the
intention of fundraising primarily for firefighters through his non-
profit: Neighbors United. This is not the first time his non-profit has
supported the community, as his past efforts have helped to raise

I was wearing boots and know with the

amount of walking I did that I would
need some help. One of our station’s firefighters
Firefighter Joe Warne with Dr. Trina Russo (L) and referred me to Dr. Trina Russo and Dr. Joyce
Dr. Joyce Patouhas Patouhas for foot care.”—Joe Warne

12 MICHIGAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION