Welcome!Howard Meek

Today’s Agenda• Let’s talk•How it all started•Why a Chaplain• Finding the right person•What can they do•Demographics

Me, A Chaplain?

* You’ve got to be kidding me

* 5 Little Words

* “Wow, that’s quite a ministry.”

Why a Chaplaincy program?

• Uncertainty of responses• It’s the job

• Interpersonal tensions• Extreme physical conditions• Human tragedy and carnage• Fear

Chief’s Comment

"The Chaplain program in the Pasadena Fire Department is an invaluable service providing a firm foundation for our firefighters and their family's spiritual and emotional well being as well as serving the community and citizens with compassion and caring during the worst

times in many of their lives. From Critical Incident Stress counseling to family illness our Chaplains have long served with distinction in the most critical of events both within and outside of our department.

The Chaplains are without a doubt one of the most important resources in the Pasadena Fire Department".

Lanny ArmstrongChief, Pasadena Fire Department

Finding the Right PersonWho?

• Ordained clergy• Good physical health• Interested in the fire service• Prepared to serve in crisis zone• Willing to commit to time

necessary to be effective• Committed to learn how to serve

fire and EMS personnel

Where?• Neighboring fire departments• Within the department• Local ministerial group• Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or

able to serve all faiths• Clergy from department

member churches

Duties: “Vibrant” Chaplaincy

• Spirited• Meaningful• Lively• Full of life• Energetic• Vital• Full of vim and vigor

• Animated• Sparkling• Vivacious• Dynamic• Exciting• Passionate• Fiery

Emergency Situations: To the Scene

• Working fire; second alarm or greater• Critical incident in progress• Critical injury or death of

firefighter• Incident involves a victim that’s

related to a department member

• When the IC determines a Chaplain may be needed• Victim or family is highly

emotional• Care is needed for the family of

the victim• Victim or family requests a

Chaplain• IC feels Chaplain would be benefit

the victim or department personnel

Emergency Situations: To the Hospital

* IC, paramedic, or officer providing treatment or care determines that the victim or family may need support or counsel

* Victim’s family needs to be located and notified

* A member of the fire department is the victim

Follow Up Actions:

• On Scene• Provide victim assistance to free

operational personnel• Comfort and counsel• Referral for assistance• Help contact family members,

insurance agents, victim’s church family and/or pastor

• Provide assistance to firefighters engaged in firefighting activities• Watch for signs of physical or

emotional stress• Assist in providing firefighter

needs such as water, rest, etc.• Advise command when a

firefighter may appear to need to be relieved

Routine duties

• With the Fire Department• Visit stations and personnel• Visit hospital• Visit recruit training• Be available for members• Offer prayers at FD functions• Support CISM• Conduct funerals/memorials

• Outside the Department• Represent and publicize FD goals

and concerns to local churches and community• Assist with public events and

public information needs• As possible, conduct extended

ministry to victims and families

General Guidelines for the Chaplaincy

* The Chaplain does not replace the home church pastor but seeks to offer immediate support regardless of victim or member nationality, race, sex, or religion.

* All communications with the Chaplain are strictly confidential and will not be released to anyone. Personnel may go to the Chaplain without having to notify his or her supervisor.

General Guidelines for the Chaplaincy

* Any member who becomes aware of a situation where the Chaplain may be needed can contact him or her directly. ◦ Death, injury, or hospitalization of a FD member◦ Death, injury, or hospitalization of FD member’s family ie.

Spouse or child◦ Death of FD member’s close family ie. Any family covered under

department’s leave policy

Resources: - Federation of Fire Chaplains

* www.firechaplains.org

- Texas Corps of Fire Chaplains* www.txcfc.org

What are your questions or comments?

Chief’s Comment“As we all know it’s not a matter of if,…it will happen and your Department will be called upon to give professional support, honor and respect to a representative of your Department or their immediate family. It can be just about anything from injury, illness, family support, critical stress, retiree death or worse a Line of Duty Death; however in this time of need you can't make some decisions by shooting from the hip. Having a strong and vibrant Fire Department Chaplaincy program helps clear the path when it’s needed most to provide for the health and well being of your Department, providing honor to your members and the fire service.”

Ray Cook

Chief, Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department

Wow, that’s quite a Ministry!

Fire Department Chaplains“Serving Those Who Serve”