Love Spreads through Bristol 51 This Valentine’s Day

Romance is in the air at Bristol Fire Company Station 51 this Valentine’s Day. With six couples among the volunteers of firefighters, EMT, officers and non-emergency staff, Bristol 51 is feeling the love.

“Volunteering at the fire station gives couples a chance to grow together and work towards a common goal,” station Vice President Nita Robbins said. She and her husband, Ralph Sims, have volunteered at the station for over 20 years. “It’s something you can do together, even both of you are not firefighters. When we started Ralph was a firefighter and I was part of the Ladies Auxiliary, but we still had time together at the station.”

Nita and Ralph might not have met at the station, but their love story evolved there over the 30 years they’ve been together, as did many others. Firefighters Art and Kathleen Adams lived to volunteer at the station and loved spending time together there. Kathleen originally volunteered at another fire station, but Art wouldn’t take no for an answer while they were dating in 1983.

“Volunteering was a common interest we had,” Kathleen said. “Being a volunteer takes a lot of dedication, but I’ve got my best friend there with me. It takes hard work and that’s what makes us such a good team.”

“We use to see each other more at the fire house than at home,” Art said. “But doing this together made it worth it. We’re there for the community. We’re there for each other.”

For some of the younger couples like firefighters Sammi Kasperitis and Steve Hibbs, the dedication of couples like Kathleen and Art and Nita and Ralph are an inspiration to continue the hard work of volunteering as a couple in the fire house.

“I admire Kathleen and Art,” Sammi said. “Seeing them together for so long, it’s something I always wanted. They’ve been together so long and you can see they still love each other.”

Sammi and Steve are engaged to be married after being together for two years. While they officially met through common friends, both joke that they had stood next to each other at a fire without noticing the other when Steve was with another fire department.

“We try to be professional, especially on calls. We leave the personal at home,” Steve said. “Everybody needs to come home safe.”

The other couples of the Bristol 51 are Deputy Chief Fran Hufnell and paramedic Ellen Hufnell, firefighter/ EMTs John Roth and Jessica Tinsman, and firefighter/EMTs Lamont Harrell and Liz Harrell.

Sammi and Kathleen both feel their relationships have flourished over time for two main reasons: communication and forgiveness. Their advice to new couples, spend time together and don’t let the little things get to you.

“Communication is the key to any solid relationship,” Sammi said. “Even in this busy fire house, it’s important that we make time for ourselves.”

“We have seen many wonderful and sad things during our time at Bristol Fire Company.  We always kiss each other good night, every night, no matter what has happened,” Kathleen said. “Just in case, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.”