Paddlefish supports first responders with new brew

Paddlefish Brewing is “beering it forward” with a new custom brew being sold to support law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services in the five county region.

On Saturday, May 4, just in time for International Firefighters Day, the St. Peter brewery partnered with Helping Minnesota Heroes to debut its new Hops ‘n Heroes blonde ale benefitting first responders. For each pint, growler and crowler sold of the new brew, Paddlefish will be donating 20% of the proceeds toward Helping Minnesota Heroes’ first responder fund.

Since 2022, the fund has provided financial assistance to law enforcement, fire departments and EMS in Nicollet County, as well as Le Sueur, Blue Earth, Sibley and Brown Counties. Dollars are used to aid local departments in filling immediate equipment needs and operating community outreach programs and public events. Helping Minnesota Heroes also distributes funds to the family of any Minnesota first responder killed in the line of duty.

“This collaboration allows us to build up our first responder fund so that we can continue to support our local heroes, especially in that five county area,” said Helping Minnesota Heroes President Heather Tollefson.

In less than two years, Helping Minnesota Heroes has distributed over $15,000 in donations. The first responder fund has supported local events like the St. Peter Police and River’s Edge Hospital Bike Safety Rodeo and has benefited the families of the two Burnsville police officers and firefighter killed in the line of duty this February.

The collaboration between Helping Minnesota Heroes and Paddlefish has been in the works since before the brewery opened its doors four months ago. It’s a cause that’s particularly important to Paddlefish taproom manager Ryan Miller, who spent five years working as an officer for the Minneapolis Police Department.

“Each and every day, the men and women who serve our community, first responders, really put a lot of time and effort and really put their lives on the line every day to make sure that we have safe communities,” said Miller. “So this event is really important to help support them and give back to them and I’m proud Paddlefish has agreed to do this and partnered with Helping Minnesota Heroes to make this event possible.”

The Hops n’ Heroes blonde ale, which Miller described as having “subtle hints of ginger,” and a “subtle maltese sweetness,” will be available for around the next two or three weeks, or however long the batch lasts. Proceeds will continue to be donated to first responders.

“It aligns well with our focus on community at Paddlefish,” said Miller. “We want to support our community members and also support our first responders in our community as well.”