Being married to a firefighter means living with pride, love — and a whole lot of waiting. While they’re on shift protecting our communities, we’re holding down the home front, missing them, and finding creative ways to stay connected across the miles (or across the city!).
The good news? Even during 24- or 48-hour shifts, there are simple, meaningful ways to keep your bond strong and remind your firefighter that they’re never far from your heart.
Here are 5 tried-and-true ways to stay connected during those long firehouse shifts.
❤️ 1. Leave a Love Note in Their Gear Bag
There’s nothing sweeter than a surprise love note tucked into a pocket, lunchbox, or gear bag. It’s a simple way to remind your firefighter that you’re thinking of them, praying for them, and counting down the hours until they’re home.
✨ Want to make this even easier?
I created a free Firehouse Shift Love Notes Printable Pack just for firefighter wives!
👉 Download it here and print 6 ready-to-go love notes with heartfelt messages — just cut and tuck them into his gear.
📱 2. Send a Mid-Shift Text or Voice Message
A quick “thinking of you” text or a sweet voice memo can lift his spirits during a busy or stressful shift. Even if he can’t respond right away, knowing you took a moment to check in means the world.
Bonus tip: Send a funny photo of the kids or pets to make him smile!
🏡 3. Keep a “Shift Journal” at Home
Start a simple notebook where you jot down little moments from home — something cute the kids said, a funny story from your day, or even just what you made for dinner. When he gets home, he can flip through it and feel like he didn’t miss as much.
🍽️ 4. Plan a Welcome-Home Tradition
Having a small tradition when he gets home can help you reconnect fast. It might be a favorite breakfast, coffee together, or even just a few quiet minutes on the couch. It’s less about the what and more about making homecoming feel special.
🙏 5. Cover Him in Prayer
Firefighter life can be unpredictable and dangerous. Taking time to pray for his safety — and letting him know you’re doing it — offers comfort for both of you. Text him that you’re praying, write a prayer in your journal, or include a prayer in one of those love notes you tuck into his bag.
💥 Grab Your Free Printable Love Notes
To make staying connected even easier, I’ve put together a free Firehouse Shift Love Notes Printable Pack with 6 ready-to-print cards:
Encouraging messages
Sweet reminders
A little extra love for his shift
👉 Click here to download your free pack and start slipping some extra love into his day.
💬 Let’s Encourage Each Other
Do you have a favorite way to stay connected during shifts? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @SimplySweetByB — let’s inspire and lift up this amazing firewife community together!