In the firehouse, eating dinner together is a part of a social relationship and cultural ritual as well as a symbolic representation of a long-time firehouse tradition.

In the firehouse, eating dinner together is a part of a social relationship and cultural ritual as well as a symbolic representation of a long-time firehouse tradition. Sharing food has been a universal medium for expressing fellowship, and it symbolizes the ideals of hospitality, gratitude, and compassion. Today, many families are too busy to have dinner together. Many eat on the run and, as a result, miss the storytelling of day-to-day events from each family member. This lost tradition is seen at the firehouse where many firefighters eat in their rooms or away from others because they do not experience this cultural ritual at home.

If you were in the position of fire chief in your local fire department, how would you bring the team together to contribute to their physical, mental, and social well-being? Does eating together foster stronger relationships in the fire and emergency services (FES)? Why, or why not?