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Fire Rescue ClassesPatti GrahamProfessional DevelopmentRecruitment, RetentionSpouse/FamilyWednesday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PMWednesday, June 12Wellness, Behavioral Health

Loving and Living with a First Responder

By December 18, 2023May 30th, 2024No Comments

Loving and Living with a First Responder

Patti Graham & Chrissy Walser

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Being the spouse or significant other of a first responder can be challenging.  Understanding the culture of the Emergency Services and how it affects your responder/loved one can be very helpful in maintaining a strong and positive relationship personally, as a couple, and for your family. 

This presentation addresses the many aspects of “Loving and Living with a First Responder”.  In addition to the worry associated with the dangers of the job, this presentation addresses the differences of “at home” and “on shift life”.  Just as importantly, in an open forum with participants, we will discuss the difficulties faced by first responders and their spouses as they make the decisions of running the household, taking care of the children, paying the bills and maintaining careers of their own all while doing their part to sustain a strong and healthy relationship.

The program, presented by members of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association’s Firefighter Assistance and Support Team and their spouses, promises to be informative, thought provoking and entertaining to participants. 

Patti Graham

Patti was born to a father that dedicated his life to serving others, with a passion for the fire department and the community. Unfortunately, he was killed in 2008 while serving others. Wanting to carry on the tradition, Patti decided to follow in her father’s footsteps. Since her dad’s passing in 2008, Patti has gone through training with the Sumter County Fire Department and is now a volunteer firefighter. She trained and became an assistant Chaplain for the department. She also serves on the SC Firefighter Assistance and Support Team (FAST). Her involvement continues to grow around the state.

It warms her heart to hear from others and know that her father is proud to watch her grow and continue his legacy.

Patti is married to Steve Graham, Chief of Boiling Springs FD. She has four children and five grandchildren.

 

Chrissy Walser

Chrissy is the family support coordinator with SC FAST. She is a proud Firefighter’s (Dave) wife of 28 years. She has 3 grown children. Chrissy has experienced first-hand what it is like to get creative with a first responders schedule. She presents life from the “other side” and offers insight to bring to light some of the REAL challenges being on the sidelines.