A Chaplain

Introduction	External Customer Service Responsibility
Fire Department Chaplain	Response to the Hospital
Appointment	Additional General Duties
Role	General Guidelines
Qualifications and Training	Appendix
Internal Customer Service Responsibility	Chaplains Organizational Chart

Fire departments by tradition have had someone in the role of chaplain since the beginning of the organized fire service. In many departments, a local clergy person has been appointed chaplain to handle emergency situations within the department, such as serious injury to fire department members, line-of-duty deaths, including notification of family members, and suicides involving fire department members and their families. Chaplains have fulfilled a traditional ceremonial role by giving the invocation at fire department functions, and conducting weddings and funerals for fire department family members.

All too often, the functions normally handled by a chaplain have been taken over by members of the administrative staff and firefighters within the department. When needs arose and no one was available to handle them, the staff and members of the department would do their best to handle the crisis. In the modem fire service, numerous factors have made it very desirable to establish a formal position of chaplain. With all the pressures present today, the need for this position is found in most fire departments.

As our world becomes more complex, facing the problems of life becomes dramatically more difficult. What used to be a straightforward, clear path to follow becomes cluttered with inflation, the energy crisis, environmental pollution, nuclear accidents, increasing crime, escalating levels of violence, crowded living conditions, and extremely intrusive challenges to our personal values and beliefs. The pressures of living in a complicated world affect us all. Many become emotionally and spiritually crippled when they find that what used to "work" is no longer effective in coping with the pressures.

People under stress tend to look to public agencies and institutions for answers and services that will solve society's problems. When programs and services fail to improve and simplify living conditions, the providers are subject to the outrage of a frustrated public. As a result, individual public servants, such as emergency service personnel, are confronted with stress-producing accusations of ineffectiveness, inefficiency, and ulterior motives when they attempt to help. The emergency service worker is confronted with making a living in a complex world, and with having to deal with disenchanted recipients of their services. At the same time, society seems to expect public servants to be immune to the effects of such stress. The emergency worker faces some very real risks if they even hint that the stress is too much or is getting to them. It is as if the firefighter is expected to be the "perfect" person. They are expected to solve problems, make the complex simple, and perform emergency responses without experiencing any emotional turmoil in the process.

Emergency service workers, such as firefighters, emergency medical personnel and emergency communicators, who answer the calls and respond to life-threatening situations have additional stresses surrounding their lives that most professions do not have.

1. LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY It is a fact that when the alarm sounds, emergency personnel are going to respond. THIS IS THEIR PROFESSION. There is no such thing as a routine call until after the incident is safely over. When the alarm hits, the firefighter faces the unknown and, all too often, becomes the victim of a service-related injury or even death. The family of the emergency worker is under the stress of not knowing what is going to happen at any given incident.

2. INTERPERSONAL TENSIONS Interpersonal tensions are constant within the emergency services simply because of the very nature of the profession. The fire service organization creates a rigid working environment with a strong, competitive mentality on the part of the emergency worker. Most promotions are made from within the department. Firefighters compete against their fellow firefighters for advancement. Shift work often leads to tensions. Long periods of time are spent with coworkers in training, station and equipment maintenance, fire prevention inspections, and in highly intense emergency incidents. The adrenaline is often flowing just because they are on duty. This factor alone increases tensions as firefighters try to deal with each other and the public while the body is in a continual state of alarm. Often tensions are heightened by the long hours spent in the fire station away from their families. The fire service becomes the second family for the firefighters This also adds stressors to the life of the emergency responder.

3. EXTREME PHYSICAL CONDITIONS The difference between the tremendous physical pressures on the emergency worker and a person in a profession that requires physical labor is the manner in which the firefighters are called on to perform their duties. Average workers plan out their day to complete a particular task. Rest periods are planned to space out the use of their energy over a length of time. They can also plan around weather or other problems if the need arises. Emergency responders are called upon to perform their task regardless of the climactic or environmental conditions. In a very short period of time, they can be completely physically and mentally exhausted, yet they must still keep going until the task is completed. Many times they complete one exhausting response only to be called to another crisis without having time to fully recuperate. The body and the mind of a firefighter is frequently drained after a tour of duty far more than the average person in a physical occupation.

4. HUMAN TRAGEDY AND CARNAGE When something bad happens, the firefighter is going to be called upon to respond. Depending on the type, the intensity, the duration of the incident, and many other factors, this response can have some far-reaching effects on the emergency worker. The continued response to tragic situations must be dealt with properly. This specific problem in the firefighting/rescue profession demands the input of a chaplain or other qualified person able to identify the problems associated with response to human tragedy.

5. FEAR Fear of the incident or fear of danger does not usually have a negative impact on emergency workers. "Fear" of the incident and what could happen normally translates into being cautious and having respect for the type of procedures needed to perform the task with the utmost safety. It is the fear of making a mistake that could cost a coworker or victim their life or cause further injury that produces the highest level of stress. Emergency workers tend to be perfectionists. When things go wrong, they start asking questions like, "What if I had only ... ?" Often feelings of guilt have to be dealt with after a particularly sad event.

The uniqueness of the stressors mentioned here is that they face the emergency responder at all times. The chaplain must be able to recognize the signs of stress within department personnel and have methods to effectively help firefighters cope with the pressures they face on a daily basis.

The Fire Chief shall appoint the Fire Department Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain(s). Each year the Fire Chief shall appoint a new Chaplain to oversee the Assistant Chaplain(s).

The Fire Department Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain(s) shall serve on a voluntary, 24-hour, on-call basis to both internal and external customers of YOUR DEPARTMENT NAME HERE, internal customers being the fire department members and their families; external customers being the citizens of the community which the department serves. This customer service assistance shall be provided on a non-denominational religious and/or non-religious basis, depending on the needs and/or requests of the customer. The Chaplain shall coordinate the activities and on-call schedule of the Assistant Chaplain(s).

The Chaplain shall be provided with a marked fire department vehicle for his/her use at all times while acting on behalf of the YOUR DEPARTMENT NAME HERE. It is expected the Chaplain and Assistant Chaplains will be certified at the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Emergency Vehicle Operators Course S-2 level.

f. Committed to learn the skills necessary to effectively relate to and minister to emergency service personnel and its customers.

The Chaplain will be given the opportunity to meet with members and staff of the department, visit the stations and receive guidance in understanding fire department organizations and procedures. Training will also be provided to help him protect himself and to be able to render proper help to assist members on the emergency scene.

After appointment, the Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain(s) will be issued the following equipment:

Respond for customer assistance, as requested by Dispatch, Battalion Chief, or Field Units. When at the scene, the Chaplain will be under the command authority of the incident commander. The Chaplain will respond to the following type of incidents:

1. The incident commander or paramedic providing treatment determines that the victim or family may need support or counsel.

1. Provide appropriate victim assistance to free operational personnel for fire fighting duties.

c) Help contact persons, insurance agents, family members, etc. In all cases, the Chaplain will find out a church or religious preference and attempt to notify the pastor or church.

2. Provide appropriate assistance emergency personnel engaged in firefighting and/or rescue activities.

c) Advise command whenever it is felt that a firefighter and/or medic is in need of relief from emergency operations.

2. Insure emergency service personnel needs are met in the areas of on-the-job injuries, critical incident stress, etc.

C. Advise Fire Chief/Senior Staff on matters relating to the welfare of the department members

E. Represent and interpret fire department goals and concerns to the churches and religious institutions of the community.

The Chaplain does not replace the home church or pastor but seeks to support the concern of every church for its members who may be in professions with special risks or needs. Moreover, that Chaplain must be for the advantage of every member of the department, regardless of his or her nationality, race, sex, or religion.

Any communications a person makes to the Chaplain is on a strictly confidential basis and will not be released to department members or any other person. Any personnel may go to the Chaplain without having to notify his or her supervisor or anyone else.

Any fire department officer or member (including administrative staff) who is made or becomes aware of any situation which may need the response of the Chaplain may contact the Chaplain directly. Fire Administration will keep current telephone numbers for the Chaplain(s). The Chaplain may also be contacted through Fire Administration if desirable. Examples of situations where the Chaplain my be contacted include, but are not limited to: death, injury to, or hospitalization of a fire department member. death, injury to, or hospitalization of a fire department member's spouse or children. death of a fire department member's close family (i.e. any family member covered under the YOUR DEPARTMENT NAME HERE Immediate Family definition).

1. Spiritual Guidance - Two important functions of the fire department chaplain are to help firefighters and their families in times of crisis and to help them with their spiritual needs. Of all the many duties the chaplaincy may entail, these are the principle responsibilities. The chaplain may use different ways to bring about spiritual truths and assistance to an individual family. However, the most important ministry is to simply be available when called upon. Spiritual need is the greatest of all needs and the chaplain must be able to meet this need. It is also a hard area for many ministers to get a "handle on." The spiritual witness is more often by action rather than by word. The example set by the chaplain in all phases of life has more bearing on the firefighter than "preaching" about it. Another important part of these functions is to understand the personal religious needs of the firefighters and to call their own minister to assist as soon as possible, if the family so desires. The chaplain can then assist their minister to understand the functions and the resources available through the fire department. This particular area of the chaplaincy is given intense coverage at all chaplain seminars and conferences.

2. Assistance in Emergency Situations - Dealing with families when a disabling injury or a death occurs is a primary function of the chaplain. To provide the best service at this type of incident, the chaplain should respond as often as possible to all major fire situations. If an injury to a firefighter occurs, the chaplain should meet the firefighter at the hospital, quickly determine the extent of the injury from the hospital staff, and then notify the family in a manner that will not cause undue panic or grief At the time of the initial call or contact with the family, a decision should be made as to whether the family will need transportation to the hospital. When the family arrives, the chaplain should have an accurate report concerning the firefighter's condition. At incidents, the chaplain, if not involved in the emergency, should be alert to the needs of the emergency personnel, citizens and family member affected by the emergency. The chaplain should be especially mindful that the type of people making emergency responses are easily capable of overexerting themselves to the point of exhaustion. Knowing this, the chaplain can make command officers aware of potentially dangerous situations that need immediate attention and/or medical attention. At major fire incidents, it is often the chaplain who is free to assist in handling unruly or hysterical people. This becomes a needed function at rescues, extrications, situations that draw a sizeable crowd, nursing homes, or incidents where children are involved. The importance of keeping a cool, calm demeanor during these times, along with the ability to explain to the public what is actually taking place, is a service the chaplain can perform. Comforting the bereaved and offering positive direction to the victim's family are priorities at these types of incidents. The chaplain can explain the types of assistance available to victims through the Red Cross, the Ladies Auxiliary, or other community service and benevolent organizations. When these interventions are used at the scene of an emergency, the results are generally successful in not only aiding the victims, but also in keeping distraught citizens from interfering with the performance of emergency operations.

3. Liaison with Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers - A chaplain should frequently visit local hospitals and urgent care centers to build rapport with medical personnel. These visits help the chaplain to receive accurate and helpful reports from the hospital professionals who have confidence in the chaplain with whom they have become acquainted. This information aids the family of the firefighter in understanding what is taking place and to better understand the condition of their family member.

4. Explaining Insurance and Benefits - The chaplain should be knowledgeable of referrals to insurance and compensatory benefits available to the firefighters and to their families. These benefits come from many different sources such as insurance carried by the fire department, the municipality, the state, and the federal government. Many fire departments have their own relief associations, blood banks, and other benefits to aid their own sick and injured members.

5. Conducting/Assisting at Funerals - The chaplain can assist a family in funeral arrangements for both active and retired firefighters. They may even officiate at the service or assist the family minister. Assistance frequently is done in the form of organizing the details of the funeral service. Details to be considered include establishing an honor guard, preparing fire department apparatus for the funeral procession, organizing fire department members at the church or funeral home and at the cemetery, determining the location of the funeral, and arranging for procession escorts. The chaplain must develop a good working relationship with local funeral directors to help them understand the special rituals involved in a fire department funeral. Counseling and consolation for the firefighter's family and children are responsibilities of the chaplain. The chaplain should always send condolences at the time of death of any member of a fire department and represent the department by offering any assistance needed. This is a responsibility of the fire department chaplain that should never be neglected.

6. Weddings - The chaplain may be called upon to perform weddings for fire department personnel. Wedding etiquette, premarital counseling, and the actual performance of the ceremony are areas of expertise that the chaplain should take special care to develop. The chaplain should make known to department members any preferences held toward the actual wedding ceremony.

7. Counseling - The daily pressures of the society in which we live has greatly contributed to the need for competent, caring counsel. It is not recommended that the chaplain should attempt to conduct counseling in all areas. The need for counseling in the areas of marriage, profession, family, substance abuse, delinquency, children, finances, critical incident stress management, and a host of other problem areas can quickly overwhelm an overzealous chaplain. The chaplain should be aware of the basics in these areas, and be knowledgeable of the type of help individuals may need. If the chaplain does not feel qualified, or for some reason is not able to counsel with a firefighter or family member, it is necessary to be able to direct them to a qualified counselor. Counselors may be available through members of an employee assistance program or other resources developed by the chaplain.

8. Visitation - A great deal of comfort, spiritual aid, friendship, and solid supportive help can be given to the sick, distraught, and injured through personal contact. Regular visitation at home, in the work place, and in the hospital is an important function of the chaplain. It is an excellent time for the chaplain to represent the administration and let the firefighter know that the department is thinking about him or her and is concerned about his or her welfare.

9. Availability - The chaplain must be available seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. When the chaplain cannot be available, it should be made known and someone else made available to fill in. In order for the chaplain to be available at all times, it is necessary for the fire department headquarters or dispatcher to be able to contact him or her by telephone, pager, or radio at all times. It is advisable for transportation to be made available, either through the furnishing of a vehicle or through a transportation fund to assist in the cost of responding. The expense fund should include all unusual expenses incurred in administering the chaplain's duties.

10. Gaining Respect - Gaining the respect of fire department members is a must for the effectiveness and credibility of the chaplain. It should be noted that respect can not be demanded, the chaplain must earn it as he or she works to develop a relationship with the fire department administration and members. Respect comes as the chaplain demonstrates commitment, dedication, and care for firefighters and their families. The chaplain gains respect by showing respect for members of the department through his or her words and actions. The chaplain earns respect by continuing to participate in fire department activities, emergency and routine, regardless of how hard the going may get.

11. Attending Fire Department Functions - The chaplain may be called upon to represent the fire department at official functions or public meetings to give an invocation, dedicatory prayer, or benediction. Many times the chief and other active members of the department or city administrators are tied up with important meetings or scheduled activities. It may fall to the chaplain to represent these people at social functions, homes, hospitals, before civic groups, or to other fire departments. It is often the chaplain who carries expressions of sympathy, condolences, or congratulations to firefighters and their families. In today's fire service it is becoming more and more difficult for the fire chief to make all the required personal contacts with firefighters and their families. This can be a valuable function that the chaplain can perform for the chief to meet the needs of the rank and file department members and communicate messages from the administration.

12. Communications with Personnel - Communications with personnel has been mentioned in different ways throughout this document. Communication in one form or another is the most important service the chaplain provides and is greatly needed by fire service personnel. Personal, direct contact by visiting fire personnel should be built into every chaplaincy program. Visiting fire stations at least once a month on alternating shifts is a good practice in the fire service chaplaincy. Communications also takes place through telephone calls, sending letters or cards on Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and other special occasions. Sympathy cards can be sent to those in need, as well as congratulations for marriages, births, promotions, special recognition for valor, etc. A monthly or quarterly prayer breakfast or meeting with interested personnel is an important phase of the chaplaincy. All of the foregoing methods of communication are recommended practices that will build relationships and keep lines of communication open between the chaplain and the firefighters that are served.

13. Retired Personnel - A major effort should be made by the chaplain to assist retired personnel and their families. This can be done by keeping in touch with the leaders of the retired firefighters association and by being alert to notice the needs of retired personnel. Chaplains should be available to minister to the needs of retired personnel as they would for active duty personnel.

14. Teaching Training Classes - The teaching of training classes by the fire department chaplain should not be overlooked by department administration. Classes can be taught on the resources and services available through the chaplaincy program, critical incident stress management, family life, chain of command, ethics, and many other areas. Frequently the chaplain teaches classes on integrity and moral responsibilities. This area of service should be considered from the beginning stages of the chaplaincy program.

15. Program Director - The chaplain is often considered the personnel service officer or crisis management coordinator. The coordination of the critical incident response team can fall under the duties of the chaplain. In some departments the chaplain is a representative of the employee assistance program.