A publication dedicated to the well-being of firefighters across North America and beyond.
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People love a person in uniform and firefighters are at the top of that list. While most firefighters can start a new relationship with ease, some may lack the knowledge of how to turn it into a more meaningful partnership beyond the initial stage. We focus not only on dating and marriage but also on the relationships that firefighters have with other family members, friends and fellow firefighters.
By Melissa Lawlor, MSN, CNM, FNP-C, Breastfeeding Medicine, FF/EMT Pleasant Valley Fire District Fire Commissioner, Dutchess County Deputy Coordinator for First Responder Health and Wellness Hey, fellow firefighters! Let’s chat about something that’s as crucial to our work as keeping our SCBA in top shape: how the U.S. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) supports our …
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It's important to unpack and assess the life experiences packed into our mental backpacks.
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What is important to you? Is it your title, salary, or pension? This question is answered easily if you ask someone while they’re at work. Their mind is set on self-promotion and envisioning a solid retirement. But what if you asked this question to someone when they are off duty? Would their answer change? “Money,” “family,” “my kids' education?” I think the question is harder to answer for someone who just sat down after mowing their lawn. Why is this?
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In 1989, Billy Joel, a great American musician (for you young people), released “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” The song covers nearly every major figure and event between 1949 (the year Joel was born) and 1989, in three minutes. The premise of the hit piece was to outline all the major events one may experience in their lifetime, emphasizing that no one is immune to hard times.
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All relationships suffer from resentment at some point. What causes resentment in long-term relationships? Does it have to happen? Is it inevitable? The cause of resentment is often the perception of an unbalanced relationship. It’s not the ONLY cause, but it is a primary issue.
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What does the word "vulnerability" mean to you as a First Responder? What's the first thing that comes to mind? After over 30 years in the fire service, I can tell you what I used to think it meant.
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The unwavering courage of firefighters is undeniable. But what about when they head home? Firefighters as parents face unique challenges when raising teenagers - ask anyone who survived those infamous years. Erratic schedules, the constant unpredictable nature, and the emotional toll of the job can create a gap in communication and understanding. However, with a little effort, firefighter parents and teenagers can build strong, supportive relationships. One that might even pass the firefighting bug onto the next generation.
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I often wonder why the fire service isn’t better off than it is, and as any good firefighter does, I begin to formulate plans that will fix all of these problems. Get two or more firefighters involved in the problem-solving process for even better results. This proven technique has stood the test of time in quickly pinpointing those who are to blame. However, if you find yourself in one of those honest moments of reflection, you might discover some things that make the wheels fall off of all those theories. You might realize that you are the problem.
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Marriage can be difficult, primarily when one or both partners work high-stress jobs with long shifts. It can be challenging to meet with your schedules. Add children to the mix, and nurturing your relationship may seem impossible. But, as my mom says, where there is a will, there is a way.
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The unwavering commitment of first responders comes with undeniable challenges to personal lives. Erratic schedules disrupt family routines, and the emotional weight of the job can create communication barriers with partners. While the camaraderie within our teams is strong, fostering healthy relationships at home requires open communication and mutual understanding.
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