Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Angela Lee on March 31, 2008 at 1:29pm

I would have to say that I am one of the fortunate ones as my other half is a Captain in the department where we both serve. As a matter of fact alot of times we roll in the same truck. We serve our community as firefighters and not as male and female. If so many could just put their egos aside for a minute maybe they would understand the true reason people become firefighters. Sorry so many of you don't have the support. Just keep going.

Permalink Reply by Stacy Banderinko on April 7, 2008 at 3:36pm

girl, you hit the nail on the head. that is the exact reason i have not had a boyfriend yet: no one understands why you do it unless they do it too. most guys i've met (outside of all this) say "oh, that's nice" or even "why would you want to do that". however there are the very few that encourage me to keep doing it, or even thank me for what i do and admire me for it. luckily, there are four other very awesome women in my dept., and the guys are very supportive. of course, when i was a probie, they would pull the gender card, but i always gave it right back. now i work alongside them without prejudice, and although they always look out for me a little more than i would like, i know they only do it because they don't want to see me get hurt or, God forbid, killed. i love that they don't water things down for me; i participate in training and scenes as much as any other guy in the dept.

Permalink Reply by Angela Lee on April 8, 2008 at 8:44pm

Katie:

I have to agree, no one has ever understood me. Thank God for sending my other half who is also a firefighter and understands the passion that one has to have to go into a burning building when others are trying to get out. so many times I have been asked why do you do that. All I can say is I love people and if I can help by saving a life or someones house then why not. It is so rewarding to know that you have done something good for others.

Permalink Reply by Angela Lee on April 8, 2008 at 8:46pm

How true that is. See if he can do a ride along and see what it is we all go through when the pager goes off. It isn't a game, it is life and property. The thing that gets me is they would want us there if their house was on fire. Keep your chins up and keep pushing forward. Train, learn all you can and be safe.

Permalink Reply by Teryn on April 17, 2008 at 1:23pm

I've sort of a had a strange response from people when I tell them I'm a firefighter. I get the "ah that's hot," or "wow, that's awesome," or the old "I bet you know how to work a hose." I'm 5' 2" and weigh 110 lbs, so I definitely don't look like I should be fighting fires. It is what I always wanted to do, and I never really cared what people thought of me doing it. The boyfriend I had when I started training was supportive, but wasn't really remotely interested in what I was doing. It's hard to get normal people excited about blood and guts, your department's new SCBA's, or that big fire you got called to last night. I ended up meeting a guy from a different fire school and had to ditch the old guy. It's awesome when you can get someone to hang out with and watch a whole season of Rescue Me, or re runs of Rescue 911 who truly gets it all. We were at the park yesterday just holding hands like a normal couple, but talking about fireground radio traffic and how cool the new pumper at his station is. My recommendation is to get yourself a fire boy, because no one else is really going to understand what you do, and more importantly, why you do it, than someone who lives it everyday too.

Permalink Reply by Megan on May 11, 2008 at 1:26pm

Krissie, I had a boyfriend like that (and his family too). I would suggest that if FF is your real true passion, you get a different bf that understands that.

Permalink Reply by firegirl73 on May 20, 2008 at 1:18pm

my husband was like 'whatever', but then was sort of jealous that i was always gone. so he asked me if i would mind if he joined too. i told him 'ok' but home life/problems can't be taken there. he agreed and we have done ok. we took ffI together, and it was actually fun, but we were in seperate groups. he is the worst one that treats me like a "girl". like helping me with everything, carrying things for me, ect. i tell him to quit treating me like a baby.

Permalink Reply by Sheri Caelwaerts on May 22, 2008 at 10:19am

I have had a hard time in the past with this myself...one of my boyfriends was so jealous of the time I spent with the department...it was crazy. I then started dating a fellow firefighter...got engaged...married...now divorcing him!!! But, I have met and started dating a WONDERFUL guy who knows my committment to him is first, department second. And, he totally supports my reasons for wanting to be on a fire department, which is to serve the community and help people whenever I can. Most importantly, he RESPECTS that and encourages me!!! It takes a stong man to support a strong woman in her choices!! I think some men are intimidated by the fact that we choose a field that requires both mental and physical strength to be truely good at!!! Only a very strong man can let "HIS" woman go running into a burning building when he would be running out, operate heavy equiptment he doesn't understand and feel truly rewarded by the job!! Sit down with him and ask him to listen to why you need to do this job. If he can't give you that respect, then you may have to really think about what's most important to you...He feel in love with you because you are a strong woman, now you deserve his support. Stay safe and good luck!!!

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