FIRE DEPARTMENT CHAPLAINCY
The Need...Everyday, people call on the local fire department
for help. The calls range from simple brush fires, to auto accidents with entrapment, to structure fires with children inside. The victims include the very young to the very old. The dangers the firefighter faces could bring about the loss of his own life. Seeing death and physical injuries often produce feelings of guilt or helplessness. This stress is reflected in the firefighter’s family life and job performance. In this setting, the need for a chaplain is evident.The Target...The administration, firefighters, paramedics,
support staff, victims and victim’s families daily experience crises in one way or another. A volunteer chaplain will help them handle the crises.
The Process ... The steps for beginning a fire chaplaincy are
as follows:1. Schedule a meeting with the fire chief..
2. Determine what needs are not presently being met.
3. Share programs and services with the chief which the chaplain could implement.
4. Recruit and train a chaplain and volunteers for the program outlined.
5. Set a starting time for the chaplaincy ministry.
6. Implement the ministry.
7. Evaluate every six months.
The Ministry… SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE (Isaiah 61:1-3)
A great opportunity exists to present biblical truths and insights to individual firemen, their families or families involved in crises.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
The chaplain responds to all major fire calls to aid the fire personnel and to help with panic situations involving civilians. He assists the victims of the tragedy in receiving aid from community help organizations. He informs the chief officer of firefighters who have over extended themselves.
INJURY/DEATH NOTIFICATION
The chaplain assists in the notification of families when firefighters receive serious injury or die in the line of duty. The chaplain visits fire personnel and family members when hospitalized.
COUNSELING SERVICES
The chaplain provides guidance and counseling for fire personnel with personal, family and job related problems.
AVAILABILITY
The chaplain is available to all fire personnel. Any contact with the chaplain is strictly on a confidential basis and will not be released to department members or any other person. A firefighter may go to the chaplain without having to notify his or her supervisor.
FUNCTIONS
The chaplain will conduct weddings, religious activities, and funeral/memorial services. He attends graduations, award ceremonies, social events and participates when requested. He should represent the chief of the department when asked. The chaplain may also act as a liaison between the department and the religious leaders in the community.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
The chaplain will conduct worship services, Bible studies or support groups as needed.
TRAINING FOR THE CHAPLAIN
The chaplain should understand how a crew attacks a fire and why it’s done in a certain way. He or she should know something about what paramedics do when working on a victim. Knowledge of stress, stress relief, and critical incident stress debriefing is necessary. The chaplain would also understand how his religious faith fits into his work and the firefighter’s work.
HOW THE CHAPLAIN FITS INTO THE DEPARTMENT
The chaplain usually answers to the fire chief. Turnout gear is issued to the chaplain which allows him near the scene when necessary. Badges and other identification allows access through security lines. A pager and/or radio is needed to notify the chaplain when needed. Permission to ride with the crews and visit the firefighters at the stations helps the chaplain understand the firefighter’s job better. Being with the crews allows the chaplain the opportunity to build relationships with the fire personnel.
The Reason…The ministry of a fire chaplain is a rewarding
one. Helping those who help others is challenging and fulfilling. The fire chaplain builds bridges of friendship between firefighters, their families, and the community. He shares the love of God in many situations, brings hope in times of despair, “to give them beauty for ashes” (Isa. 61:1-3)