Fire families

   Hello Firefighters, hope this finds you doing well navigating the crazy weather we’ve had; if you’re like me, you find yourselves looking forward to longer days and spring weather!  

   This month I’d like to touch upon something I think about often: recognizing the importance of our families within the fire department.

“Fire Families”

   Are you as a firefighter taking care of your family? Is your department helping take care of your family (meaning you/your spouse/your children)?  Most importantly, are you thanking them for letting you do a job that means so much to you? When you are providing a service to the community, your spouse is taking care of family, worrying about you coming back home safely or not, then being there to help you process after difficult calls. This takes a caring and supportive partner.

   I recently was at an event where spouses were helping serve us food; I thanked them for doing this and told them they were just as important to the fire service as the firefighters. One looked at me, kind of chuckled and said, “Tell that to them, I don’t know if they think so.” After I heard that, I stopped and paused for a second, then thought I needed to say more, so I told her, “Let me know--I’ll come to the department and tell them!” After I said that, I thought. “WOW, is this true? If so, something needs to change here.”  

   I’m not sure how you feel, but I struggle with this. Chiefs, officers, and firefighters all need to share with their families how important they are to their department. Not only are firefighters invested in the department; their families are, too. Spouses or family members wouldn’t have to help make and bring food to those on calls, they wouldn’t have to help on fund raising events, they wouldn’t have to wash dirty clothes that have chemicals in them, but they do.  It truly is a team effort!

   Do you hold special events that include fire department spouses/families throughout the year?  Many departments schedule family picnics, spouses’ banquets, and family fun days.  They also welcome their families during water ball practices and events, where the fire department kids and other community members enjoy getting cooled off on hot summer days. Be sure to share with members from other departments what you do, as most of us are always looking for new, enjoyable ideas.

   After you read this article, go and hug your spouse and kids and thank them for helping you do your job as a firefighter in your community.  But don’t let it stop after one time--do it often! They are such a valuable part in our success. We as members should also let our communities know this when the occasions arise.

   Be sure to mark September 19-20 on your calendar to join us with your spouse at Breezy Point this year for our annual MSFDA conference.  It looks to be another great one!  More info coming soon.

   As always, Stay Safe—

Dale Grochow, 

MSFDA President