Fresno Fire Wives

Scout Island Adventure Challenge

2010-09-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Fresno Fire Family,

I’m Helena Silva, Matt Silva’s wife.

My work holds an annual Adventure Challenge. It’s a race. The race is sort of a cross between “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race”. In a team of four you race 3 miles and encounter challenges and problems to solve. You’ll be navigating using a GPS traveling in and out of the San Joaquin River. It’s fun!

It’s at the Scout Island outdoor facility which is next to the Fig Garden Country Club. Attached is the registration form and flyer for our Scout Island Adventure Challenge adult race. There is a fee which is then applied to the same race being held for high school students the following weekend. It covers the cost for high schools so they can participate for free.

The theme this year is “Cast Away”. It may help to watch the movie beforehand, just so the race makes a little more sense.

I can be called or emailed if anyone has any questions.

Helena Silva

977-2754 (cell)

Adult Flyer

Adult Registration Forms 2010

Jennifer Johnson, Realtor

2010-04-26T22:53:00.001-07:00

Hi Ladies,

I am a Realtor with Guarantee Real Estate. Please keep me in mind if you, or anyone you know, has a real estate need I might be able to help with. If you are looking to sell your home or buy a home, or just needing information, please give me a call.

Thanks,

Jennifer Johnson, Realtor
#01879992
Guarantee Real Estate
jenjohnson7005@att.net
(559) 916-8341

Box Cart Races

2010-04-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

23690-BoxCarFlyers_2

2010 Firefighters Ball

2010-02-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Fresno Fire Family,

Mark your calendars … We are hosting the 2010 Firefighters Ball (co-sponsored by Local 753 & the Fire Chief's Foundation) on Saturday, March 27th at the Downtown Convention & Entertainment Center. The no-host social hour starts at 5pm, and the program/dinner begins at 6pm with live music from our own 5150 Band and dancing until midnight. We have twice the space and plan on having twice the fun! Up to 600 tickets will be sold (the last Ball sold out at 400). Tickets will be available at the Credit Union starting on Friday, February 12th. We will know exact ticket pricing by Monday evening (2/8), but they will be around $40 per person. Invitations will be mailed out within a week.

Department members have priority in purchasing tickets until March 8th. After that, members will still be able to purchase tickets, but sales will be opened up to others. Some have expressed that they would like to invite friends from other departments, friends, etc. However, this does not limit members from purchasing any number of tickets once they go on sale to include their friends or family members. But, it does need to be the member making the purchase before March 8th. Also, there will be a seating chart at the Credit Union so that as you purchase your tickets, you can select your desired seating location. There will be up to 60 tables, so get your tickets early.

Please join us in honoring our Retirees, celebrating our profession, and enjoying our friendships at the Party of the Year.

Children's Music Class

2010-02-04T14:16:00.001-08:00

Hello Ladies!!

I had an opportunity to take my 10 month old to a class called Jam Bandwich last week. The instructor (Shelly Aguilar) was amazing. She had fun songs and props for the kiddos and teaches through structured play. She does a great job of focusing on what the students are interested in at that moment (which can change soo quickly). She will be new to Fresno and will be starting up her first 8 week session here in April. Her prices are VERY reasonable and its a great way to get out and interact with others (for kiddos and mommies alike!) Jax and I will be attending the first session and hope to see you there!

Shelly's contact info:

phone~Shelly Aguilar- 260-4697

email~shellyaguilar@jambandwich.com

website~ www.jambandwich.com

Robin Simmons

Santa made it to Local 753!

2009-12-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time last night at the Union Holiday Party. Thank you so much to everyone who helped out.

Childrens Pictures with Santa

Families Pictures with Santa

I hope you enjoy these! I sure did!

Union Christmas Party Planning Time!!!

2009-11-19T01:10:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

It is that time again....The Union Christmas Party is coming up! If you have any ideas and are willing to help we would love to have you. Please email me at fresnofirewives@yahoo.com for any information or to volunteer!

We will have food for all, entertainment for the little ones..(big ones too!) Rides down the Boulevard, Music, Drinks, Desserts and a visit from Santa!!! Fun for the whole family!

I hope everyone will come to the party and have a great time! See you there!

Union Christmas Party

2009-11-17T00:53:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

So the date has been set. The Union Christmas Party will be December 11th, 2009 from 5-9pm. We hope everyone can come by, even if for a little while. There will be the usual...food, music, drinks, Huntington Boulevard rides, and of course Santa! Bring the whole family down and have a Merry time!!!

See you there!

Knotts Berry Salute to Police and Fire

2009-11-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

Fire Police Flyer. 2009 Flyer

Childcare Help

2009-09-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Fire Wives:I originally posted a need for part-time childcare back in February 2009 and was lucky to find someone to take care our daughter, but I was recently informed that she no longer will be able to take care of her. So, I am in the hunt again.
I should tell you a little about us and what we are looking for. My name is Wendy Killou and my husband is Sam (Engineer on A-shift) have a 9 month old daughter named Emma, for which we need to find part-time childcare for her starting in October 2009. I currently work for the State full-time and as you may know, we are currently furloughed, so I have the first three Fridays off every month until June 2010, which is working out great so far to elevate the need for more childcare days.
We are looking for someone that can provide daycare in their home anywhere from 1-3 days per week depending on schedules. I did get many responses back in February, but did not know whether the same people would be interested or if there may be new families that would entertain the idea. If you are possibly interested or know someone that may be interested, please email me at wkillou@gmail.com or call me at 559-269-3985.
Thank you,
Wendy Killou
Environmental Scientist
Drinking Water Program-SDWIS Unit
265 W. Bullard Suite #101
Fresno, CA 93704
(559) 447-3313
Wendy.Killou@cdph.ca.gov

Couples Night Out

2009-08-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Clear the night of Saturday, September 5th for a Couples Night Out at The Standard in Fresno. The Fresno City Firefighters Association has planned a wonderful night for it's members and their significant others to have some adult time. So call your babysitters, if needed, and get ready for a great time. There will be drinks and appetizers provided by Local 753 from 5pm to 9pm, or when the tab runs out. The Standard is located at 9455 N. Fort Washington Fresno, CA 93720 (The N/E corner of Friant and Fort Washington).
Please RSVP with Pete Flores (pete669@comcast.net) or Sarah Ognibene (fresnofirewives@yahoo.com). That way we can have an accurate head count of who will be attending.

See you there.

L Yanes Photography comes to Fresno

2009-08-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Fresno Calendar.2[1]

Mudd Volleyball

2009-06-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

Do you want to spend a day having fun and getting to know each other better? Well, if so, join me at this year's Fresno Mudd Volleyball Tournament!

I'm hoping to grab some of you, fire wives/girlfriends, to be a part of my team. Maybe we will have enough of you who want to participate that we will need several teams.

The tournament is on Saturday, August 22nd at 9am. There is a small fee to participate which goes to support the March of Dimes.

If you are willing to get down and dirty and have some fun, email me at LeslieFaridoni@comcast.net or call me at 978-9517. You can also check it out more at www.fresnomuddvolleyball.com.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Leslie Faridoni

Annual Luau at The Moore's

2009-06-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

It’s time for The Moore’s Annual Luau!
This Friday, June 19
Relaxing by the pool while drinking cocktails begins at 1:00 pm
Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm
Polynesian dancers will perform at 7:00 pm
After the dancers this will be an adults only event, call us for babysitting references, they live only a block away!
We will be accepting donations to help pay for the dancers.
Don’t forget your swim suit!
IT WILL BE ONE HULA-OF A TIME!
RSVP 779-1552
212 W Goshen, Clovis

Family Day with Local 753

2009-06-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

Fresno City Firefighters Local 753 Invites all Local 753 members and their immediate families to spen the day at the Wild Water Adventure Park.

Date: Sunday, July 19th

Time: 10:00 am - ??

Location: 11413 East Shaw Ave. Clovis, CA

Cost: Ticket price covered by Local 753

RSVP: You must reserve your ticket prior to the event. Please contact Pete Flores at 559-779-6959 or pete669@comcast.net. Tickets will only be available to Local 753 members and their immediate family who have signed up prior to the day of the event. Members who sign up and fail to show up will be responsible for the cost of the tickets reserved.

Food: One park meal ticket will be given to each family member.

Admission: PLEASE BRING YOUR DEPARTMENT I.D. Tickets will be given at the gate from 9:30 am to 11:00 am the day of the event.

Hope to see you all there!

House for Rent

2009-06-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

House for Rent
1295/month
3 bedroom
2 bath
Corner of Cedar and Sheperd
Great, kid friendly neighborhood!
Contact Sean Henchel @ 392-1774

Handmade Nursing Covers by Katrina Arthur

2009-06-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies,

My name is Katrina Arthur. I have recently opened an online store are know that word of mouth is the best advertisement for handmade items. With that in mind I would like to extend an invitation to you.

As we welcome new members into the Fire Family, each nursing mom is looking for a fashionable yet discreet why to bond with their new baby with out being coped up in some back room.

This is why I created my nursing covers. Although my son is passed the nursing stage I have opened an online store to share my product with other moms. I can be found at www.kcartncrafts.etsy.com, where you will find handmade nursing covers and burp cloths.

Each Nursing Cover is handmade by me with 100% cotton, high quality fabrics and is fully lined.

The unique angled design provides nursing mothers and their babies with the utmost privacy. I created this design after trying a few traditionally shaped nursing covers, but found that my son's sweet but very sneaky hands, feet or sometimes both poked out leaving me feeling a little exposed. To solve this problem I created this design, so that I could tuck the sides behind me and keep us covered in any situation.

The sturdy boning in the neck line enables Mom to keep an eye on her little one, and the adjustable neck strap with "D" rings means she can customize the fit for comfort. I suggest that once you have found your ideal strap length; tie it off in a simple knot for easy and quick wear.

Each Nursing Cover comes with a matching Minkie Burp Cloth does as good a job cleaning up as it is cute. But, it feels so good you might want to keep it for yourself.

I hope to be able to share this diaper bag staple with you or your friends. Each item comes gift wrapped and ready to give.

Thank you for your support,
Katrina Arthur

Pre Wedding BBQ

2009-04-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,

My name is Laura and I am soon to be married to Sye Yannone a fellow Fire Fighter. Sye put out an e-mail to the department about a BBQ that we are putting on for our friends and fellow fire fighters the day before our wedding. But knowing our men, most of them will either will not tell you or tell you the day before. Knowing myself I always need advanced notice of an event. So I thought that I should let you know.

Any way it is a BBQ with fun for the whole family, but if you would like to make it a date night that is fine as well. We are having 5150 out to play a little music, if you don't know who they are come find out. We would like every one that is able to make it to bring a side dish or dessert if possible. The date is Saturday May 2nd and we'll be starting about 4pm. We will have tri-tip and hot dogs and hamburgers for the kids. We will wrapping things up about 10 or 11 for those that will getting a sitter for the night. The address is 5365 N. McCall Clovis 93619. If you need directions call or e-mail me Camando78@yahoo.com (559) 709-6422. If you are able to come please just let me know so we have a count.

Thanks,
Laura

Mark your Calendars

2009-03-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Play Date!!!!!

Where: My Backyard!
8955 N. Archie Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
When: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month
10:00 - 11:30 AM

What to bring:
snack and drink if your child needs it

I would love to have you and your children come over and play!

Thanks,
Monica

Babysitter Help ASAP

2009-02-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

My name is Mary-Anne Douglas and I am looking for a babysitter for my 16-month old son, Dominic. We need babysitting for two months: March and April. My husband is on A-shift, so the dates needed are listed below. We live in Clovis and I work in the River Park area, so if you're anywhere in between and available to take care of my little guy, let us know. You may call me @ 349-2284. This is a last minute request, since the first day needed is next week Tuesday.

Dominic needs a babysitter for the following dates:

March
Tuesday, March 3
Wednesday, March 4
Monday, March 9
Tuesday, March 10
Monday, March 16
Friday, March 27

April
Thursday, April 2
Friday, April 3
Wednesday, April 8
Thursday, April 9
Tuesday, April 14
Wednesday, April 15

Time: Mon. Tues. Wedn. and Fri. 7:30am-5:30pm but Thurs. it's 9:00am-7:00pm. Thursday's is my 'late day' at work. This wouldn't happen in March but twice in April. If this doesn't work for you, I can make arrangements at work (not a problem).

Dominic's Schedule:
Breakfast - 8:30am
Nap: 9:30am-noonish
Lunch: 12:30pm
Snack: afternoon
Nap: 4:00pm (for about 1 hour)
Diaper Change as needed.... you know this ;)

Thank you.

Openings for Child Care

2009-02-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, My name is Rebecca Freshwater, I am a 25 year old stay at home mom to a 2 year old boy, Hayden and wife to Matt.

I run a daycare from my home, I have been licensed> since June 2008 and currently care for an 11 month old boy. My husband informed me yesterday, February 26, 2009, that his position as Sales Assistant will be eliminated (They have not told him when this will take place.) This means> that he will lose his job. He has his Class A license so if his company has a driving position available then he would be able to drive. Obviously this is pretty scary.

I have a few spots available, so if you or someone you know need child care please let me know. I am located at Clinton/West. I am open from 8 am-5:30pm. I charge 25.00/day.
I provide meals, snacks, as well as quality childcare.

Please email me or give me a call.
My email is freshwaterfamily05@gmail.com
My phone number is 485-5395 or 287-3432

Thank You!

Pediatrician

2009-02-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am looking for a Pediatrician for the kids and a General Physician for Rob and I. Any referrals?Thanks,
Monica
loscastillos@mac.com

Help Needed

2009-02-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

PART-TIME CHILDCARE NEEDED

Hello Fresno Wives:

My name is Wendy Killou and my husband (Sam Killou-A-Shift) and I recently added a new member to the family (Emma Sofia Killou). As much as I would love to be a stay at home mom, I need to return to work in next few months (anticipating to return in April or May). Emma will be ~4-5 months by then.

I have recently started the fun of looking for childcare. As you all may know, the childcare industry doesn't seem to be all that accommodating to the fire schedules. What we are looking for is someone to care for our daughter during the weekday (~7:30am-5pm) on the days my husband works (A-shift).

If you or you know of someone that provides childcare that works with the fire schedule or have questions, please email me. Any information is much appreciated.

Have a great day,
Wendy Killou

Help Needed?

2009-01-19T17:48:00.001-08:00

We have a college gal that lives with us and is amazing in every way. She cleans houses right now to bring in some income while she is in school and wanted to let any Fire Families know that she is willing to serve them. I highly recommend her. She is thorough, has integrity, and is just a great all around gal.

Here is her info:

Melody Sleezer, girl Friday
Specializing in:
*House cleaning and organization
* Childcare
*Pet Care
*House sitting
*Errand running
*Making your load lighter :)

Available 7 days a week at reasonable rates. References available upon request. Contact Melody Sleezer at msleezer@gmail.com for more infomation.

Children's Pictures with Santa

2008-12-14T20:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas Party Meeting

2008-11-25T22:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Party Meeting to dicuss our plans and make sure we have it all covered.

Sunday, November 30th at Karey's house.
3 pm.....just an hour
1544 W. Mesa ..... Fruit and Bullard

If you want to help with the party and haven't got on a group come by and we can get you a spot!

If you are one of the group contacts and cannot make it, please try and find someone that knows what is going on and have them come.

Any questions, concerns...words of wisdom....please let me know,

Karey 559-779-0088

Kareys House
1544 w. Mesa

Between Fruit and West off of Bullard.
North on Tielman, 2nd right MESA

Jeremy Slocum & Natalie Nguyen Proposal

2008-11-25T22:46:00.000-08:00

(Top left) Firefighter from the Fresno Fire Department Jeremy Slocum peers through the window of “The Loft” salon by George Garcia inside the 1060 Fulton building. Slocum surprised his girlfriend, Natalie Nguyen of Fresno, by proposing to her by coming through the second story window with the help of a ladder from a fire truck.(Top right) Slocum on the ladder with the Fulton Mall below.(Middle left) Slocum steps through one of the windows of “The Loft.” salon by George Garcia(Middle right) Slocum proposes to Nguyen.(Bottom) The two embrace.

Congratulations Jeremy & Natalie!

Knotts Berry Farms

2008-11-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

Knott's Berry Farm
16th Annual
SALUTE TO FIRE AND POLICE PERSONNEL
Thanksgiving Day - December 21, 2008
Knott's Annual event honoring Fire & Police Personnel. With proper ID presented at Knott's fire and police personnel plus one guest can receive free admission. Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $15 each.

Salsa Recipe from Natalie

2008-09-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

Alright, here is the recipe for the salsa/dip that I made. It changes every time so adjust it to your taste buds.

5 roma tomatoes (diced)
3 avocados (diced)
one bunch of green onions (chopped)
one medium red onion (chopped, Jeremy loves them so we add a lot)
one bunch of cilantro (chopped)
one can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
one can of black eyed peas or kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
one can of corn
1 or 2 blocks of cotija cheese (chopped up into little squares) it just depends how much cheese you like!
salt and pepper to taste

3 -4 tablespoons of cumin
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons of chopped garlic
whisk then mix into vegetables

It used to be really healthy until I discovered cotija cheese, then it all went downhill. Still, it's not too bad for you.
Natalie Nguyen

Meeting Time!!!

2008-09-19T21:52:00.001-07:00

Hello Fresno Fire Wives,

We have scheduled our next meeting. It will be Monday, October 6th at 7pm. Please join us at Station 17 in the community room. Bring an appetizer or a dessert (Enough for 5-6 people). Coffee, tea and water will be served.
We will be discussing our near future endeavors.

***We will be helping plan the Christmas Party in December. We will set up people to help out in the areas of food, decorations, drinks, and maybe some entertainment for adults and children. We hope to have a great turnout at the party this year. If you have any connections or ideas in any of these areas and would like to help please come to the meeting and we'll get it started.

***We have been asked to come up with a logo and a name. We are going to keep with Fresno Fire Wives. I have received one idea on a logo, but wanted a few more so that we could vote on one. If you or someone you know is talented with graphic design, drawing, art please scratch down an idea. We can use a version of any other logos as long as we change at least 20%.

***Meals for Moms. We will be getting together a list of volunteers for when there are families who may need some help when times are tough. We will have all the information at the meeting.

So I hope that you all can make it. Can't wait to see you there.

Wedding Reception Location Help

2008-09-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies

I have a sister that is getting married in June. It was supposed to be an outdoor reception, but her location just canceled all their bookings after the first of the year. We are looking for any ideas for a new reception location. An outdoor location is ideal, but due to the wedding being in June, she is willing to have the reception in doors as well. If you have ANY suggestions, PLEASE PLEASE send them.

Thanks
Theresa Mendoza(Skaggs)

Looking for a new doctor and dentist

2008-09-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,

My general practitioner recently retired and my dentist is about to. If you have a doctor and dentist (with an equally good hygienist) that you love so much you would be willing to refer them to me, I would greatly appreciate it. If they happen to be in the Northeast Fresno area, that is even better. Please email me at Jesstures@gmail.com.

Thank you so much!!

Jessica Imre-Chaput

Babysitter needed

2008-09-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am looking for information on babysitters that are available in the evenings and to come to my job to watch an infant 4 1/2 months years old.

Thank you
Katrina Arthur
gurldawg02@yahoo.com
559-908-4509

Family Stories

2008-09-04T14:55:00.001-07:00

Please keep the stories coming. It is a way for us to learn about eachother and our families. Just send an email to fresnofirewives@yahoo.com including a picture and a short story about you and how you came to be a member of this Fire Department Family. Thank you.

Helping Blake

2008-09-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

I received an email, inadvertently, about a US Army soldier from Fresno that was deployed over seas. Apparently it was not intended to go out to the masses.
Blake is newly married and a new dad. Being a new dad Blake was immediately drawn to the kids of a local orphanage in the area of his deployment. This orphanage is full of kids that the armed forces have "liberated" from the local warlords. These kids have lost their parents and have no where to go.
The orphanage is in dire need of diapers and formula for the children. Blake has purchased all the formula and diapers from the local PX with his own money, which isn't much mind you. I would like to see if we could be supportive of what Blake is doing for these kids. Not only is he putting his life on the line for our freedoms he is putting his life on the line to help these kids on his "off duty" time.
If we could collect diapers and formula to send to Blake I think it would be a huge blessing to him and the kids. Please let me know if you or any of the Fresno Fire Wives may be interested in joining this awesome outreach. You can reach me at 559-325-6665 or 559-287-1909 or send me an email at jay.tracy@fresnofirefighters.net.

Thanks,
Jay Tracy

Use Us

2008-08-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

Hey girls,

Some of you have been taking advantage of this wonderful network we have started. This is one of the reasons we started this. Please use us. Just email us at fresnofirewives@yahoo.com with what you need and I'll put up a posting every week of Classifieds. Also if you know of a family who needs our help let us know in an email and we'll get the ball rolling.

And for those of you who hesitate to use our help just remember......Don't think that when I need your help that I won't be asking. I will accept everything..... So I expect the same of you. Hope to hear from all of you.

Committees

2008-08-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Time to get down to Business.

We need to set up our next meeting. This one will be to start helping others. We are looking for some women to help out other FFD families in need. We are looking to set up a couple committees for our group. Probably one person to head the group and then a list of people who will be there to help.

The areas we are needing are..

A group to provide meals to families who need help.

A group to help with families who loose someone close.

A group to help provide child care in some situations.

Once we figure out a good date for the meeting I will post it on here.

If you can think of any other areas where we should set something up that would be great.

Keep checking in.

Insert Image Here

2008-08-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hey girls,

I know alot of you have talent out there. I want a logo for our little group. I just don't have the artistry to pull it off. If you could put somthing together and send it to us that would be great.
Some ideas are a women in high heels wearing a turnout jacket and a helmet with the jacket saying Fresno Fire on the back and Wives on the bottom where the last name goes. Or taking the Union logo and inserting our info instead of theirs. Just something we can use on our activities. Thank you.

Help a Sister Out

2008-08-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

There are alot of us who have trades that would benefit other wives. If you or your family have a talent or job that one of us could use please let me know. Our own little Want Ads. I would rather give my money to another fire family than someone else. So if you are a mechanic, a hair dresser, an accountant, a daycare owner, a dance instructor, etc...let me know. I would love to spread the word. Just give me your name, business, contact number or website and we'll post the information.

Nice to meet you all

2008-08-01T14:30:00.001-07:00

Well, we had our first get together. I met so many new people last night and still not everyone. Many of you walked in looking so shy and quiet and then by the end of the night you were off talking to other ladies who are just like you. That is what we wanted from this. So now we can start the planning of some get togethers. If you would like to host/plan a get together, a girls night out, a play group, date night just let me know and we'll post it on here.

So for those of you who could not make it last night...we ate awesome desserts and snacks and talked with many new faces. We will be adding new information to the blog so be sure to check in every now and then.

How the Burkharts Came to Be…

2008-07-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

September 11 was a tragic day for many... I didn't know it then, but the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, changed my life as well.

When the owner of Pelco invited all of the NY police and fire a retreat to Fresno, one of the events planned for them was a bbq at the airport. A buddy of mine whom I used to work with at the Clovis police department called me up and asked me if I wanted to go to the bbq with him. I went and was one of maybe 20 girls (including the servers) surrounded by at least 300 men. With the odds in my favor, I soon had a NY firefighter hanging all over me. The problem was, I didn't want this one hanging all over me and I couldn't get rid of the guy. As the night progressed (translation for "many beers later"), I ended up talking to a group of guys, with my NY firefighter parasite still attached to my shoulder, and managed to mouth the words "help me!" to some tall dude who smiled and laughed at my situation. A couple of minutes later, this guy kindly asked me if I wanted to walk to the bus with him to get his coat. Finally, I could escape this NY idiot, and this guy wasn't bad looking :)

To make a long story short, Bart Burkhart was my knight who saved me from some NY fireman who probably thought he had a full night ahead of him. After a week or so (apparently Bart was following some "man rules of dating" that said he had to wait a certain amount of time before he called me because he didn't want to seem too eager), Bart finally called me and invited me to Station 9 for our first date. I went to the station assured that the guy I had met seemed like a good guy, was pretty good looking, and was tall. So, when I got to the station and the guys said let me go get Bart, and this VERY good looking guy walked in I thought to myself, "Wow!" Then the guy introduced himself as Carl Delap and said Bart would be right in. Although Carl was a tasty lookin treat, Bart was no let down. We have been married for 4 years now and have two awesome kids, Kallen (2) and Michael (7 mo.). And that's how the Burkhart's came to be... (Sorry Nancy, I had to spill the beans about my instant crush on your husband! j/k!)

The Arthur Family

2008-07-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Our story is one of complete chance. I met George on a surprise trip from Fresno (I was attending Fresno State)to visit my parents in Southern California. I had met his cousin through my mom's work 3 years earlier and George just happened to be visiting from Massachusetts, when I was home. After a year of long distance and the Red Sox's first World Series Championship in 86 years, George moved to Fresno. Two years later on July 2, 2006 we got married. We joined the Fresno Fire family in January 2007. Then started our own with the birth of our son, Marty (or Maawwwty as George would say it) on April 16, 2008. It has been a whirlwind ride, but we have loved every minute of it. And now we get to share our love for the underdog baseball team (I am a Cubs fan by birth) with our extended family. Here we are at Marty's First Red Sox Game!!!!!

The Castillo Family

2008-07-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

We moved here six years ago without a pot to pee in.... ok so maybe it wasn't that bad, but our first apartment could fit in the closet we use now. Moving to Fresno was a complete leap of faith for us both. Neither of us had family or friends here and the only thing I knew about Fresno was that it was hot. Rob moved in April (?) and started the academy, I moved in June and started teaching in August, four days after school started for me we were married, and to top it all of became pregnant in October (we're mexican....so you know how that goes :) ) Then our baby came two months early (car accident), right when Rob was taking his year test! Whew! That was crazy times...but I know God put me right where he wanted me. Fresno has been amazing for our Family. We have a good life and amazing friends and I wouldn't have it any other way. So here's us at the Fresno State Baseball Championship:

Documentary Preview

2008-07-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick preview of the Fresno City Fire Department Documentary. Enjoy

New Members

2008-07-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have another request. If you know of an engagement, a marriage, a birth.....email us with a picture and their information and we'll post it.

Here are a Few....

Caton Nunes and Summer Burns got engaged on July 2oth.

Justin Simmons married Robin Murdock on June 26th in Pismo.

Javier and Jody Pla welcomed a little boy Aidan on June 21st.

Well, it happened. The Scoggins'sses, welcomed Owen David Scoggins into the world on June 26, 2008 at 2031 hrs. He weighs in at a whopping 6lb 4oz and is 20 in. tall. He showed up with a full mohawk and his fist pumped in the air. Both mom and baby are well and back home. Scoggins says, "the little dude rocks!". - Bart Burkhart

PS. Feel free to correct me if any information is in error.

Family Photos

2008-07-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

In an effort to get to know everyone I would love to add some pictures of different families and their story on the blog. If you would like to show off you family email your picture and story to fresnofirewives@yahoo.com and it will be posted. Thanks.

First Get Together

2008-07-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Alright,

We have finally set a date for our first meeting. It will be July 31st at 7:00pm at Karey Wedemeyers house. I will email everyone with directions. If you don't receive one just email us at fresnofirewives@yahoo.com and we'll be sure to get it to you.

We will be having drinks and desserts. We were hoping we could get a few of you to help with that. If you can bring a dessert, vegetable plate or fruit plate please let us know.

Kids are welcomed if you can not find a sitter. There is a pool for those who can swim unaccompanied but supervised.

We will just be getting to know eachother and finding out what we all want to accomplish with this group. We will be also figuring out who can help and in what areas. Bring any information that you think could benefit other wives.

Can't wait to meet you all.

Our Approach

2008-06-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Fresno Fire Family,

I just wanted to let you know what I am thinking:

I grew up in the Fresno Fire Department. My father, Richard Christopherson, is still a firefighter after 32 years and my husband Marc started with Fresno 6 years ago after 2 years with another department. I have a true love and commitment for firefighters and their families. After all, the 2 most important men in my life are firefighters.

I have met a lot of wonderful people, as a child and also since my husband was hired. Most of them have been firefighters, but only some wives and children. It may have just been a minute or a few seconds but I have met you. But is that it? Every special occasion, that your firefighter decides to tell you about, is that all we get? Luckily my husband is pretty good at informing me of the goings on outside the station. But some of you aren't as fortunate.

When my husband first was hired with Kern County we had to move away from family and friends. It was very lonely for us. He would be gone for 48 hours at a time and I would sit at home alone and do nothing. During this time, Marc's mother died and I had a second trimester miscarriage in the same week. We didn't have anyone there to turn to. It was so hard for us. I want to make sure that there are no people here in our network that suffer like I did. There are people willing to reach out, however that may be. This is the first step. It seems small, but it can be huge to some.

We eventually can make this a great thing. But we will start out doing little things here and there. First we need to connect and get a support group started. We have had tons of interest from wives and husbands. We plan on helping out in all areas.

A get together is in the works. Now that I have had an outpouring of people who want to help we can begin. I have heard from firefighters, wives, girlfriends, daughters, fiancees, and sisters.

My next post will be the information regarding our first event. So hope to see you all very soon.

Sarah