Question...

[duerr2]

I would like to know what you all think of husbands and wives serving together...

Background:

He is a firefighter I and an EMT with 6 years on the department...
I am a firefighter I(taking ffII and instructorI) in 3 weeks currently in my last semester of college...I'm getting a fire science degree...

The department is in a town of 2,000 with spaces for 26 firefighters...Currently there are 20(?) members on the department with less than half responding on a regular basis. I have knowledge to share and am frustrated and angered by the total lack of support that I have been given. I work full time, have 3 children(10,5,and4), am pursuing my degree and still manage to be a wonderful wife(if I do say so myself!) I just am asking for a chance to spread my wings and test what I have learned...My father always told me "little girls don't do that" when I commented on wanting to be a firefighter...

After 25+ years of hearing that, my husband finally convinced me that I could do this if I just believed in myself...I believe, but now what?

------------------
Jenn Duerr

[Captain Gonzo]

To quote Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III, when Clubber Lang says "I'm goin to bust you up"....
Go for it!

As long as you are not working the same duty shift, it should not be a problem!

------------------
Firefighters: Today's heroes protecting our tomorrows....
Captain Gonzo

[firefighteranne]

I would say that everyone else's opinion matters little. The most important thing is that you AND your husband are okay with it. I had a similar situation, but I was on the volunteer department first. My husband tried to join, but was voted down by the membership. Their "reasoning" was they were concerned who would take care of our children while we were on fire calls. Never mind we work opposite shifts, and never mind we had discussed the issue between ourselves. I was silly enough to believe that our children's welfare was our concern and not the department's. It also angered me that "who would take care of the children" never came up for dads who were single parents. Recently, they asked my husband to join the department. He said no--they had their chance earlier and blew it.

[SRVFD2]

Our vol. dept. would be in bad shape if it weren't for our husband-wife teams!! They've been with us since the beginning, and are our backbone. Rather than one spouse worrying about why the other one is spending so much time at the station, they are there together! Our teams with children have arrangements made!! Good luck duerr2!!

[FyredUp]

If being a firefighter is what you want it matters little what others think. If you truly want it then you should go for it.

Good luck,

FyredUp

[Fyresq50]

I am all for it. My Wife is preparing to apply a second time after being turned down once.

A friend of mine is an assistant chief in his department and his wife is a firefighter. It has worked out really well for them-and they work together well.

I have asked him if he is still Chief at home-to which I get no reply- Hehehehee

Jim

[FireFJayT]

I think its great thaat you want to be a firefighter, but husband/wife on the same department is a poor idea. The potential problems are enormous. I wish you well. Stay safe.

[ADSN/WFLD]

Been there, done that.

REAL BAD IDEA.

At some point one of the couple will be in a position of authority over the other, any decision that is made has the potential to add stress and bad feelings in the relationship. No mater what the facts are some people will think your playing favorites.
Not to mention that your full attention at incidents will not be on the job. when you here a firefighter has been injured you will instantly think of your spouse.
I'm sure that your heart is in the right place but I wouldn't work in the same place. Is the town next door an option?

[Fire Line]

We had a husband / wife team a few years ago, without any problems. The possible authority problem, well what about Father / son(s) teams. A few years ago the deputy chief out ranked his dad who was a captain, again no problems. You have to judge each case seperately.

[duerr2]

Thanks to all who answered my question...I'm currently looking at bigger and better things than small town Iowa...
I love it here, but my future is obviously somewhere else...
As a matter of fact, I've put in applications around the country in the past week...we'll see.

Thank you for your opinions and your friendship!
Stay safe!
Jenn

[SRVFD2]

ALL MY BEST WISHES GO WITH YOU, JENN!!

Good luck!!

[duerr2]

Just an update...

I passed firefighterII and instructorI, so now I'm definitely over-qualified! I'm still searching for greener pastures. Thanks for the support.

STAY SAFE!