Department Resources
For the Chief
Resources for Your Entire Fire Department
Families and marriages are under stress in the fire service. Many departments are stepping up to offer behavioral services through their Employee Assistance Programs, but many times it is too late.
When surrounded by supportive resources, marriages thrive. Although statistical numbers vary, they all show an increase in the effectiveness of receiving help, especially early on prior to relationship issues becoming insurmountable.
One goal as a department is to develop a strong family support network from the beginning. By doing this, families have access to have the right resources for the small stuff, before it turns into the big stuff. Sometimes an understanding ear and a different perspective will help a couple through the little things before they pile up into damaging conversations, spilling over into the firefighter’s job.
Personally, our family struggled to make the fire life fit into the Monday through Friday, 9-5 world the kind-hearted friends from church, school, the neighborhood, and even extended family were a part of. Having another fire family to receive support and have fellowship with fills the void that comes with being a part of the fire life.
Healthy marriages and supportive families also keep your firefighters focused on the job, not on issues at home. A fire department who supports those families is one who is appreciated, not resented, for all the time away from family and loved ones a firefighter spends while working.
FirefighterWife is on a mission to honor, strengthen and support firefighter wives, marriage and families for first responders and the best way for us to do that is when you share these resources below in your department.
A Chief or Officer who understands the stress of the fire life, is a well loved chief by his crew and their families.
Get Support for Your Department
Resources, Training, Retreats, Behavioral Health Services, First Responder Specific Counseling
Crisis Support Now
Maybe life has gotten really out of control and you or your first responder need help now. Or maybe... you just don't know and need to talk to someone who gets it.
Every request is confidential.
Honor and Commitment
Standard Life Operating Guidelines for Firefighters & Their Families
. This book goes beyond general self-help, relationship, or household tips and goes straight to the heart of the firefighter family. This book is great for both Firefighters, and their spouses.
In this book, you’ll find:
- Real-life stories from firefighter families, that only someone like you can relate to.
- Time-tested, realistic advice on everything from managing family schedules to what to do at home after a difficult call.
- Discussion questions to open up communication with your first family or your firefighter family.
- Support during the times when your marriage feels challenged by the fire life, and the encouragement and straightforward guidance you need to keep your connection strong.
- Carefully-chosen resources to help your whole family thrive.
Available in eBook and paperback
RETIRE WELL
Retirement preparation can help first responders take early steps to embrace retirement as a positive stressor.
Sponsored by The 100 Club of Arizona
There's an academy for you too!
Designed for women who are new to the fire life... or who want a reminder of why this life IS different. The Fire Wife Academy gives the tools and resources you need to create the fire life that works for you and your family.
What You Need to Know to Thrive
So here you are, brand new to the Fire Life. You’re either dating, newlywed or newly become a firefighter… or possibly a veteran to the fire life but looking for community; either way we are glad you found this resource.
Download Fire Life 101, the free eBook we put together just for YOU.