The CFD Wives' Club

The CFD Wives’ Club was organized after the loss of the Charleston 9 when many of your wives were seated together at the Memorial Service. They realized that by not knowing each other, it was difficult to provide the mutual support that they needed at the time. A small group of wives set out to organize an effort to provide a forum where they could come together with a mission of supporting the physical, moral and spiritual health of their husbands and of each other.

I can tell you that in the last two years, they have worked diligently in pursuit of that mission and have accomplished a great deal. Whether it’s a ball game, yard sale, CFD 9 Remembrance picnic, Family Day at the Fire Museum, movie, bake sale, or a special function such as a CFD 9 Family reception or recruit graduation, they have been there time after time after time with willing and open hearts in support of not only their guys, but the entire Charleston Fire Department family.

As with any other group, they have had their detractors and sometimes, their disagreements, but it has not kept them from working for all of us. I urge all of you guys to encourage your wives to join, and to support them when they do. Many of you may believe that it is not appropriate for your wives to be involved in your workplace, but I have seen very positive results from these women. In the past two years, most of you have had great difficulty with the loss of the Charleston 9. As you have continued to come to work facing much adversity and much more change, your wives have been at home worried and concerned about you daily. The Wives’ Club has given them a place of support and comfort for each other and a place where they can make important contributions to all of you.