About First Family Responder Collective

what we are all about & how we came to be

When the families are supported, our first responders are supported.

empowering the families behind the badge

First Responder Family Collective is an open-armed collective of first responder families offering a space for connection, support, & empowerment so we can thrive within this unique and uncommon lifestyle.

Through educational content, a thoughtful curation of supportive resources, and a space to connect over our shared experiences, our mission is to bring together families of all badges so they may feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Over the last 15 years, there have been countless strike teams, forced overtime, missed calls, and holidays. Times when solo parenting felt like single parenting. Time spent worrying and waiting. And times spent thriving instead of just surviving through it all.

As a mom of 2 who’s been through 15 fire seasons, I am very familiar with the challenges we face as first responder families. As much as we love and adore our first responders, how we have to adapt and grow as their families isn’t always understood by others.

My own family has struggled with extended time apart and transitioning to and from shift, especially my young children. To support my kiddos, I started seeking out resources and eventually decided to use my educational background and create my own children’s book. I wanted to make a relatable story explaining what first responders do while validating the emotions and feelings that come with sharing their first responder.

After participating in a first responder spouses group, I learned just how important and transformative a community can be. I wanted to create the same for other families. First Responders Family Collective was born out of a desire to create a community for myself after struggling to find others who could understand and relate to the unique experience of being a first responder family. I hope you find connection & support through this community. Welcome to the collective!

Fun little things

enjoys traveling

LOVES COOKING & GOOD FOOD

elementary school teacher

swedish & italian

Loves READING

enjoys gardening, YOga & Pilates

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about the book

Sharing My First Responder

Relying on my background as an elementary school teacher, I wrote this book from personal experience in helping my own kids navigate the big emotions and ups and downs that come with having a first responder as a parent.

In this heartwarming story, children follow the story of a young girl whose father is a firefighter and what it means for her to share her first responder. With colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, this book not only educates children about what first responders are, but also about “big feelings” and how to cope with them when sharing their first responder.

  • “I read this to my young daughters while their police officer Dad is on duty and it always helps to remind us that all of our feelings are ok to have (Mom included!). We love that it's short and sweet for their little attention spans, and the girls especially love the song and the illustrations. Bonus points for being inclusive of all first responders so that it's applicable to a wide range of families.”

    Laura (Police Spouse)

  • “We love this book! As a mom and police wife, this story resonated so well with us. This adorable story is geared towards children who have a first responder parent and what it can feel like when that family member is away. It emphasizes self-care and encourages children to express themselves. I’m so glad there is a children’s book that not only touches on the home life of first responders, and how long hours and busy schedules can affect their children, but also give children ways to cope with the sacrifice of sharing their first responder parent.”

    Elisa (Police Spouse)

  • "It feels like this book was written for our family. I've had to explain to my kids why their dad doesn't come home every night like their friends' dads so having a book like this helps that process so much. It allows them to see themselves in a story and validates their experience. Even though it's written for kids, its reminders are always great for me to hear as well. Such a beautiful little book for the whole fam!"

    Natalie (Fire Spouse)