“Make each day your masterpiece.”
This quote held special meaning for the late Capt. Mike Paidar, a fire fighter from St. Paul, MN Local 21, who frequently shared it with his children.
“My dad absolutely loved John Wooden. We read his books when we were little, and he taught my brother Matthew and me to make each day the best it can be,” said Mike’s daughter, Meghan.
Meghan’s dedication to her education earned her the IAFF’s W. H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship, named for the former IAFF General President, who served from 1968 to 1980. This scholarship, offering $2,500 annually and renewable for up to four years, honors fallen fire fighters and supports their families in pursuing higher education.
It’s crucial that after the ultimate sacrifice has been made, we step up and ensure that their children get the same opportunities they would have if their mother or father was still alive.
Jenny hanie, deputy director, iaff foundation
“The mission behind the W.H. ‘Howie’ McClennan Scholarship is the definition of what our foundation was established for: supporting IAFF members and their families in their time of need,” said Jenny Hanie, Deputy Director of the IAFF Foundation. “It’s crucial that after the ultimate sacrifice has been made, we step up and ensure that their children get the same opportunities they would have if their mother or father was still alive.”
Mike’s wife, Julie, expressed her gratitude while remembering her late husband.
“I see Mike’s influence in everything they do—how they speak and treat others,” she said. “My son Matthew serves in the United States Air Force with a deep passion for helping others. Meghan has pursued her dream of becoming a physical therapist, and her dedication has never wavered.”
Mike’s story
Mike grew up in Iowa with a lifelong passion for firefighting that began at an early age. After college, he pursued a career in journalism as a news photojournalist. Mike began his firefighting journey as an on-call fire fighter with the Maple Grove Fire Department in 2005 and joined the St. Paul Fire Department in 2011.
Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in February 2020, he bravely fought the disease for six months before passing away that August.
“Mike’s leukemia diagnosis came suddenly, catching us off guard. During this time, Matthew was deployed, and Meghan was in college,” Julie said. “We held onto hope that Mike would recover.”
Meghan’s educational journey
Meghan is in her second year at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She is completing her first clinical rotation with the Minnesota Twins organization in Florida, and she has several rotations planned in Wisconsin and Kentucky before her graduation next May.
Meghan attributes her progress to the support of her family and the IAFF family Mike was a part of. “My dad was always a very proud member of the IAFF, and being supported by them now is incredibly meaningful,” said Meghan. “My dad loved being a fire fighter and paramedic, and for me to be able to continue being supported by the firefighting community is very special.”
I see Mike’s influence in everything they do—how they speak and treat others.
Julie paidar, mike’s widow
Legislative support
Mike’s story inspired Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to introduce the bipartisan “Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act,” aimed at expanding federal benefits for families of first responders who died from occupational cancer.
“Sen. Klobuchar introduced the legislation in March 2023, alongside Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) , and Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) in honor of my husband Mike,” said Julie. “I was moved that she learned of our story through Local 21 and has since advocated for families.”
The bill, which unanimously passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in May, would ensure the families of first responders receive the support they deserve.
“Passing this legislation holds deep personal meaning for my family. Having met many families with young children, it would honor Mike’s legacy to turn our heartbreak into positive change,” said Julie. “The bill is for first responders so that if there is a disability due to cancer or a line-of-duty death due to cancer, families can receive some benefits at the federal level.”
Continuing Mike’s legacy
Meghan and her brother’s commitment to service is a testament to their father’s legacy.
“My dad’s values guide me every day,” Meghan said. “This scholarship is not just financial support; it is a reminder that the firefighting community stands with us, honoring my dad’s memory and helping me achieve my dreams. That is one of the biggest things of his legacy that I hold on to, and that is a value that I want to live out every single day.”
This scholarship is not just financial support; it is a reminder that the firefighting community stands with us, honoring my dad’s memory and helping me achieve my dreams.
Meghan paidar, mike’s daughter
Julie, highlighting the impact of the IAFF, said, “The support from an organization that embraces the motto, ‘you are not forgotten; you are part of the family,’ provides not just financial assistance, but also relieves a burden from our children.”
“By sharing our story,” she added, “I hope more families discover the possibilities available to them. I also encourage donors and benefactors to recognize the positive impact their contributions have on deserving children.”
How to help
For more information on the W. H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship and to support the families of fallen fire fighters, visit the IAFF Foundation’s website.
Julie is leading a campaign in Washington, D.C. July 22-24, urging Congress to pass the Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act for federal PSOB coverage of occupational cancer. She invites others to join her in lobbying Congress or to contribute by sending letters to legislators, highlighting the importance of this legislation in honoring those who sacrificed their lives.
IAFF members can use the IAFF’s online advocacy center to contact their Members of Congress and urge them to support the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act.
To learn more or to sign up to volunteer, visit the link here.
