Hey Art, as a chaplain for the fire department, do you support the firefighters only or both them and the victims? (officially - I'm sure you do all you can) I'm technically in the Chaplain Corps for CAP (though I don't have the actual title "chaplain"), and like to hear how other organizations work.
I am currently working within the department to make some significant changes. Before I came to the Department the Chaplain position was strictly an Invocation/Benediction office for meetings. I have put in place more stringent guidelines for Chaplains and began doing more to take care of our own in a small way and also the victims we deal with and their families. Now we are about to make a larger leap to the position, if it passes election, being a line office instead of an Administration office. I will,then have power to over ride the OIC if the emotional, Physical, or spiritual health of a firefighter is in question. I will also be the one to notify the Red Cross or other agencies that are needed for the victims. I am now able to minister to the victims and their families directly, under the auspices of the Fire Department. So, yes, in the past year I have been working on radical changes,and once completely implemented, may become a resource that other Fire Departments in our area will call upon.
I don't envy you for some of the surely terrible things you must see and deal with, but I surely do respect and appreciate you and others like you for what you do! Thanks again
Bubba, thanks, and yes, especially when Kids are involved. But then, I am there on their Worst Day, and If I can give them some hope and help, well, it is worth it. It is those days that I am so glad I have a very understanding wife and kids. Makes sense why I leave the dinner table for someone I don't know and might never see again...
