The Nest

18 Years of Being a Firefighter's Wife: Lessons I've Learned I have been a firefighter's wife for over 18 years now. We have struggled and we have triumphed over many things. I wish I would have known a few things at the beginning of my marriage that I know now. Unfortunately, I have learned the hard way on many an occasion. First, having my husband gone for 24 plus hours is different than most people's situations. The shift work can drive you crazy if you let it. You don't get to have any relief like your friend's husbands who come home from their eight to five jobs....

As we head into winter, some parts of the country are already experiencing extreme cold. For police officers, especially those assigned to remote areas, it’s extremely important to properly plan and prepare. Failing to do so can result in serious injury or even death. Cold can be just as deadly as extreme heat.   I reached out to two long-term law enforcement professionals who have worked for decades in areas that experience some really challenging cold weather conditions. Those two professionals are Chief (Ret.) Jeff Chudwin, who spent more than three decades working in the Chicago area and Kelly Alzaharna,...

When I first met my husband, he was in uniform. In true woman form, I was enticed by his good looks, and not to mention how good he looked in said uniform. At the time I was your typical, slight-drunk 20-something out with friends chatting up a hottie police officer – as I like to refer to it. I had blinders on and didn’t look too far beyond his boots and badge. My husband and I will both tell you we knew the moment we met that we were going to marry each other. What I didn’t realize was everything...

I have had the experience of being married before to a “regular” hubby and we went about our daily business as two individuals who did their own thing, loved each other and co-habited. Until we didn’t. I am grateful every day that we didn’t make it because I adore being married to my boy in blue. Being married to a police officer is totally different than being married to a regular Joe. It is a responsibility, a burden and an honor/blessing for those of you who are religious. It is often thankless. It throws up challenges and has its rewards...

Given the enormity of stress heaped on the shoulders of law enforcement officers, how they cope and keep on keepin’ on is awe-inspiring. Cops’ stamina, persistence, and dedication to duty is surreal. LEOs confront society’s woes, evils, sinister elements, and cray-cray individuals…and still manage a chuckle. There is the other side of the coin, too. Spouses or significant others of LEOs endure much of the process and experience, albeit vicariously. The dimensions of being a cop’s loved one and dealing with police culture are unique. Let’s examine seven ways police spouses and loved ones deal with the police lifestyle and...