Mass. Corps of Fire Chaplains

Chaplains provide spiritual and personal counseling to firefighters and other department members. Some Chaplains work a set schedule but are usually available anytime, even on weekends and holy days. A fire department may also loan its Chaplain to other emergency medical services providers or the local police department. Chaplains usually do not take confession or offer last rites, but they can talk to fire department personnel about things that bother them. Also, chaplains can offer marriage counseling to fire department staff members and their spouses or fiances, grief counseling to the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty, and are trained in Critical Incident Stress Management. A fire department may ask its Chaplain to conduct funerals or memorial services, especially if the firefighter does not have a pastor. A Chaplain can also officiate at a wedding, and some chaplains represent their fire departments at community events. They may serve on community boards, join local ministerial associations, and speak at events and civic organizations. Chaplains create a bridge between the department and the community or communities it serves.

Fire Department Chief Officers who wish to receive information on the work of a Department Chaplain, request assistance in locating a Chaplain to serve their Department, would like to arrange for a presentation on the Ministry of a Fire Chaplain or Clergy currently serving as Chaplains, would like to serve or who desire information about joining the Corps should contact the Chief Chaplain, The Rev. Bruce Arbour at THIS EMAIL ADDRESS:

MCFC Quarterly Training

Location: DFS Academy
1 State Road, Stow, MA
October 19, 2024
TIME: 10:00 to 13:00

TOPIC: “Active Shooter”

Unfortunately, the challenge of an “Active Shooter” is not if, but when it happens; what do I do as a chaplain? The MFA staff will provide a program to inform us of the operational standards, and we will explore the chaplain’s role locally and in mutual aid by the MCFC. If you know of a chaplain in a nearby department who is not part of MCFC membership, I encourage you to invite them along. We will have membership information available. No better way to help others understand one of the many benefits of MCFC Membership than to have them experience it.

Pre-registration is NOT required. Lunch will be provided.

MCFC Dues Information

CLICK HERE FOR A 2024-2025 DUES INVOICE!
Annual Dues: $100

CLICK HERE TO PAY BY PAYPAL

Or Snail Mail a Check with the Dues Invoice to:
Chaplain Joe Eiduson
Treasurer, MCFC
5 Cirrus Drive #5102
Ashland, MA 01721-4453

Click Here to Donate to the MCFC

On-Line Resources

New Member Application Click Here

Introduction to Fire Chaplaincy Click Here

Generic Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) for Chaplains Click Here

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MCFC OFFICIAL HANDBOOK!

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Click Here

Fire Chief’s Association of Massachusetts Click Here

National Incident Management Systems Training Click Here

Critical Incident, Stress Management Website, Click Here

Federation of Fire Chaplains Click Here

Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Click Here

Massachusetts Call/Volunteer Firefighters Association Click Here

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Scanner Frequencies Click Here

Firehouse.com Click Here

Information for Firefighters about Asbestos Exposure