To the significant other of a firefighter,

Are you ready?

Are you ready for the time that needs to be committed to being with a firefighter? They made the commitment to take on a call when help is needed. Are you prepared for them to get up and go? A firefighter is brave, noble, and kind. They risk their lives to save those of others who are in danger and need their help.

If you can't make the same commitment to them, that they do to the station, I don't suggest being with them.

I have been seeing my boyfriend for a little less than a year. And while he doesn't work at the station full time and is a volunteer, I've seen the love and passion he has. Making the decision to become a firefighter, is not something someone can do overnight. It's a decision much greater than trying to figure out what to have for breakfast in the morning.

Being a firefighter means late night calls. Being a firefighter means, seeing things you can never un-see. Being a firefighter isn't a job for those who just want the title. They go through rigorous training, they need to be EMT certified, you must be physically able to; climb large amounts of stairs, drag the hose and carry the equipment without struggle, be capable of forcible entry, search and rescue and more.

Being a firefighter takes a lot of heart and soul. Even being a volunteer means making a big commitment to helping your team in whatever calls come their way.

If you want to be with a firefighter, you have to be in love with the firefighter. I fell in love with mine while he was taking a call. He actually came to my rescue, as I had passed out at the dance club his parents own. He got there and, because he had known me already, even if only for a short time, he stayed with me until I reached the hospital and my mom had gotten there. You could see the passion in his eyes. His strong need to help and protect.

When you fall in love with a firefighter, you are going to fall hard.

But you must be willing to compromise. There will be times where he will get up in the middle of the night to take a call. Kiss him goodbye, tell him you love him and wish him luck. It can be scary at times, but they know what they're doing. They're smart. Have the station's number on speed dial. If you can't get a hold of him, 9 times out of ten, he'll be at the station.

Get to know the other members at the station, including his chief. The more you show your face and get involved, the better he looks too. That's his second family, they should be yours too.

With dating a firefighter comes responsibility. You owe him love and understanding. Anything else will be extra. Rub his shoulders when he slumps on the couch after taking a call. Surprise him every now and then with dinner and his favorite beer. He won't ask you for a lot, in fact, he probably would never ask you for anything. But, always be sure to show him you love him and that you couldn't be more proud of the man he is. The man you love. Your firefighter.