Life of a Firefighter Wife

By the time I met my husband, I was very aware of life within the fire service. My brother is also a fireman and I had become immune to the idealistic notions that accompanies the profession.  This is not to underplay their status of being heroes! I am a proud wife and sister to extraordinary men that are putting their lives on the line to help others in extreme emergency situations!

After 10 years of marriage, I’ve learned quite a few things about being a firefighter wife. Some I knew to expect and others I have discovered along the way.

First, having my husband away for 24 hour shifts is a normal part of our life. He spends a third of the year at the fire station with his work family. This schedule has it challenges, especially with a little girl, but we have grown accustomed to this routine. It’s hard work to manage everything with him away, however I have always been independent. Where there’s a will there’s a way especially with my ‘I can do this' attitude.  We have a great support system with family that lives close by. I have found absence makes the heart grow fonder and we embrace all the moments of the life we live.

Second, holidays and special occasions spent together are never guaranteed. He may be home with us to celebrate but more likely he is away making sure other families are safe. We make due and we try to plan around it when we can. Vacations are also difficult to plan and many times, he has had to join us later due to a training or not being able to get time off.

Third, I ask if he slept at the station the night before when he comes home. This might be sneaky, but it tells me if he had a hard night. Everyone needs time to get even keel. I just need to know how much time it might take before I start in on things I need to tell him that happened yesterday or other stuff that has come up that we need to talk about. I do not ask him about his day or the calls he went on. I feel if he wants to give me the spiel, he will and that is RARE!  Firefighters are special people. They are not usually very emotional and they deal with what they see differently than most people. It’s what makes them able to do their job.

Fourth, I do not call or text him much when he is at work. Occasionally, if I have to tell him something really important or just send him an 'I Love You' text, I certainly do!  I never know if he’s on a call, in a meeting or training.  I don’t want to distract him from his focus. I do love that most nights when he is at work, he and our daughter will FaceTime to say Good Night!

My husband, Josh and daughter, Carly Kate

Last is to brag on the hubs! He is the calmest force I have ever met when it comes to stressful situations. I sliced my finger once on a garage door rail. He took my hand, knew if I saw it that I would flip out! Unruffled, he wrapped it and told me we were going for a visit to the emergency room for stitches.  I’ve also watched him at a parade, where he literally sprung over the crowd to help a lady that was run over by a float.  He talked to her, gave her the care she needed until paramedics could make it there and told her she would be ok!

I will leave you with some great information.  As you may know, October also marks fire prevention month.  As the temperatures grow colder, home related fires are much more common.  EVERY SECOND COUNTS!!!

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Visit The National Fire Protection Association for a free download of a Home Escape Fire Plan or Coloring Sheet.

Sincerely,

Renea