Mass. Corps of Fire Chaplains

The Fire Department Chaplain, selected by his or her own Department, provides spiritual and personal counseling to firefighters and other department members. This service is extended to the citizens of the Commonwealth when they become victims of fire, medical emergency, or natural disaster. They are present at major incidents, training sessions, memorials, social events, and public functions, and they are part of the team at the fire station. 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 provide marriage counseling to fire department staff members and their spouses or fiancés, 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.

Please note the following testimonial from the President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts

          As President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, I have enjoyed working with the Massachusetts Corps of Fire Chaplains. The silent work performed by this organization for the fire service in Massachusetts is immeasurable. The Corps of Chaplains are not only great spiritual leaders when a day goes grey, but they are trained in critical incident stress management, becoming an integral part of our statewide stress teams. Firefighters across the Commonwealth deal with death and danger daily; this cumulative exposure has a documented history of taking our firefighters down dark psychological paths. The Chaplains, through their expertise in clergy and stress management, have saved the careers of hundreds of firefighters over the years. Today’s fire service is very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of professionals to work with at a moment’s notice.

 Be it a simple conversation at a meeting or an emotional activation at a fire scene, your conversation always leaves you feeling confident and stronger than before.

Chief Timothy Grenno
President