Online Dating for Police, Firefighters and EMS Personnel

Stressed out emergency services personnel, whose private lives are often shattered by shift work and the traumatic nature of their jobs, can now seek solace in each other over the Internet. A new website, thebadge.org, launched in March by New Jersey policeman Ken Bachman, offers the chance for police officers, firefighters and other EMS workers, people who are on hand 24 hours a day to help the public, to finally help themselves.

"The reason this site is so special is because of the fact that emergency services personnel endure a lot of stress on the job as well as working odd shifts," said Mr Bachman. "It is very difficult sometimes for the other partner in a relationship to understand because they are not exposed to it like we are. The website gives single men and women on the job a unique opportunity to meet other singles like themselves, who can relate to the stress and odd shift work."

Mr Bachman cites the example of a police officer who runs the beat in Camden, New Jersey, rated the No. 1 most violent city in the United States. "This guy can relate to how stress on the job can ruin a relationship," said Mr Bachman. "His fiance left because she could not stand the odd shift work anymore and would not listen when he wanted someone to talk to."

Mr Bachman said the website, which is a free service, is more than just a meeting place for public servants looking for love and friendship. It is also about letting it all out.

Emergency personnel are subjected to some of the most nerve-racking working environments of any job. There is nothing more therapeutic than talking about your day to the one you love or to someone who understands what you are going through. However, because of their odd working hours, emergency services personnel are often denied this basic luxury. It is quite common for them to return to an empty home or a sleeping household. There is no one to lend a sympathetic ear.

"There is a chat room to discuss a stressful event that occurred on the job," said Mr Bachman. "This can provide somewhat of an outlet for the stressed police officer, firefighter or EMS worker."

Bachman said he decided to develop the site after speaking with others in similar line of work who have had strained relationships because of their jobs.

Fellow New Jersey police officer Steven Carter said the website provides a great opportunity to let out some steam. "It is very impressive," said Mr Carter. "Not only does it provide a great resource for men and women on the job but it is a great way to discuss our stressful day."

Bachman estimates there are around 200 people who log on to his site every week and the numbers are growing, with many overseas members joining as well.

"It is a very comprehensive site," he said. "There are hundreds of different singles dating sites on the Internet. My site is unique because it is currently the only site on the Internet specifically aimed at emergency service personnel."

The Badge