All,
‘Tis the season!? Absolutely, and while we all want and hope for a wonderful time, it doesn’t always work that way for Firefighters and our families.
Especially these days …
Career Firefighters being held over or mandated!
Volunteer Firefighters short staffed, forcing the not so “chosen few” to respond to the majority of emergency calls!
Ho-Ho-Ho….
The holiday season experience is one of the things that makes Firefighter life so … er… um … unique. Chances are you’re either on-call as a volunteer, or working at least one of the upcoming holidays as a career firefighter. Tones going off, shift schedules and mandatory overtime — do not care which days are most important to you and your family. And then, there are the fire & emergency calls themselves.
THINK: Taking a few minutes to think about your family’s perspective on your unique role as a Firefighter can help you set the stage for better conversations (peace) about just how to navigate it all.
Here is a link to a brief article (and video) from Dr Rachelle Zemlok (licensed clinical psychologist who is married to a Firefighter) who spoke at FRI and several other fire service conferences this year about this whole “firefighters family” thing — that we want to pass on to you — especially with the holidays upon us.
CHECK IT OUT:
ARTICLE w/ VIDEO
MANAGING THE HOLIDAYS FROM A FIREFIGHTERS PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
There’s not one of us who hasn’t experienced some of the above-described challenges during the holidays — maybe this can help.
YOUR KIDS:
And for those who have to be at the firehouse, don’t underestimate the experiences of your family coming to visit. More from Dr Z:
.
“When I spoke with kids who grew up in Firefighters homes, one obvious thing in common is that their wonderful memories of living this life are actually related to the job, firehouse, and co-workers. Visiting the station helped them become familiar with co-workers, familiar with equipment, have fun, feel cool, and better understand the work. There’s a lot of hard parts related to having a parent as a Firefighter … so when possible, find ways to give your kids those positive memories about the job. It may be a little inconvenient and short lived … but could be priceless to them. This is also an open invitation for departments and leaders to allow the space and encourage families to visit.”
**TWO FIRE FAMILIES’ KIDS IN NEED**
The FDNY Foundation has established a scholarship fund for Firefighter Billy Moon’s kids. As you know he tragically died from a fall at Rescue 2. The FDNY Foundation kicked it off with a $25,000 donation. If you would like to contribute to help his kids, please go to
New Tripoli Assistant Chief & Career Frederick County (MD) Firefighter Zach Paris leaves behind his wife and two girls, Lila (8) and Mia (5). If you would like to help with expenses for the future of his girls, please go to:
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 12/23/2022-1026 Hours
