A MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE FAMILY FOUNDATION

Dear Fire Family,

As we step into a season of growth and action, we are proud to share with you the inaugural edition of the Fire Family Foundation – Fire Family Strong monthly newsletter! This will be our monthly touchpoint designed to keep you connected to the heart of our mission.

The Fire Family Foundation is the helping hand of Firefighters First Credit Union, extending support to the families of those who serve and protect. Our work at the Fire Family Foundation has never been more exciting, more urgent—or more full of promise. With our new focus on mental health and family resilience, our mission is clearer than ever.

MISSION
To support the well-being of the fire family.

VISION
Fire families across the nation are provided health and wellness support.

The emotional toll of the fire service is real—not just for those in uniform, but for the entire family system. Through the launch of our mental health and family resilience initiatives, the Fire Family Foundation is committed to building a powerful support network that addresses the often-invisible burdens of fire life.

This newsletter will serve as your monthly guide to the Fire Family Foundation programs, partnerships, and powerful stories. We hope you find both insight and inspiration in each issue, and that together we continue strengthening the fire family across the nation.

With gratitude,
The Fire Family Foundation

My husband is a career firefighter, and together we've raised three children in the fire service family lifestyle—filled with pride, resilience, and sometimes, unimaginable hardship.

One of those days we'll never forget was November 8, 2018—the day the Camp Fire ignited in Northern California. My husband was deployed immediately. He spent the day in the heart of downtown Paradise, battling a fire that was unlike anything he'd ever faced. The wind-driven flames were intense, unpredictable, and truly unstoppable. Entire neighborhoods were leveled within hours. It was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.

While he was on the front lines, I was at home with our three children, evacuating under skies turned black by smoke. We quickly packed up what we could, not knowing if we'd have anything to come back to. Our neighbors lost their home. We weren't allowed to return to ours for over two weeks. And, many of the firefighters lost their homes – while they were working tirelessly to battle this historic fire.

The Camp Fire left a deep scar on our community—and the emotional toll didn't fade when the fire was out. The trauma lingered, showing up in quiet ways: sleepless nights, heightened anxiety, the weight of helplessness. And we're not alone. Fire families across the nation experience this kind of invisible burden all too often.

That's why the work of the Fire Family Foundation means so much to me—both personally and professionally. Our mental and emotional wellness initiatives are designed specifically for firefighter families. We offer resources that help spouses, children, and fire families process their experiences, reconnect, and heal—together.

Because supporting fire families isn’t just about stepping in after the emergency. It’s about walking with them every step of the way. And I am honored and excited to serve as Executive Director of the Fire Family Foundation, ensuring that fire families across the nation have the strength, support, and care they so deeply deserve.

A recent national survey by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) revealed that over 37% of firefighters have contemplated suicide at some point in their careers—ten times the national average. PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders remain high among fire personnel, yet cultural and systemic barriers prevent many from seeking help.

Our Take: The mental health of firefighters cannot be separated from the well-being of their families. When firefighters suffer, their loved ones often struggle as well. Our programs take a systemic approach, supporting the entire fire family.

An in-depth feature from the New York Times titled "The Spouse Behind the Hero" explored the quiet heroism of fire spouses, who manage households, support their partners through trauma, and carry the emotional and logistical load of unpredictable schedules. Despite being the backbone of fire families, these spouses often feel unseen and unsupported.

Our Take: Fire spouses are the emotional first responders at home. Our virtual support sessions and upcoming retreats are designed to honor and equip them—turning isolation into connection, and burnout into empowerment.

We're excited to share a series of no-cost programs designed to support the emotional health and resilience of the entire fire family. Explore what's coming up:

1. Virtual Support Sessions for Fire Spouses/Partners

Six weekly, professionally facilitated sessions offering:

• Peer connection & emotional support
• Stress, communication & parenting tools
• Education on trauma's impact on relationships & children

Weekly Themes Include:

• Navigating the Emotional Toll of Shift Work
• Helping Children Understand the Fire Family Lifestyle
• Routines for the Transition Home
• Tools for Emotional & Ritual Connection
• Understanding Trauma
• Self-Care & Wellness Practices

2. Virtual Pre-Marital Sessions for Fire Couples
COMING SOON

Two, two-hour sessions with licensed clinicians to help couples:

• Understand the demands of fire life
• Strengthen emotional intimacy
• Build shared financial and life goals

3. Couples Retreats
COMING SOON

Professionally guided weekends focused on:

• Strengthening relationships
• Tools for connection & communication
• Understanding fire life's impact on couples

There are many meaningful ways to stand with fire families, whether by showing up, giving back, or simply spreading the word. From joining a support session to helping others find critical resources, every action helps strengthen the resilience of those who support our first responders.

Looking to strengthen your fire family bond? Join a virtual support session, register for a couples retreat or pre-marital session, or bring the whole family to our upcoming Fire Family Conference. Let's grow together.

Your contribution helps us reach more families with culturally relevant, trauma-informed care. Every dollar makes a difference.

Forward this newsletter to someone in the fire service community, follow us on social media, and talk to your department about integrating our resources.