Chaplains Corp

Our Emergency Service Chaplains Corp is comprised of men and women of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, who give of themselves “Serving those who serve others,” though the Chaplains Corps.

Fire, rescue, and emergency service personnel put their lives on the line daily to protect and preserve property, and to save lives. The date September 11, 2001 gave people outside emergency service a glimpse of the character and dedication of emergency service personnel. Three hundred and forty-three firefighters died in New York City while trying to save the lives of strangers, people of many cultures and different walks of life.

Standing alongside these emergency service responders on September 11, 2001 were those who provide them spiritual strength, the Fire Department Chaplains. Catholic priest Father Mychal Judge, Chaplain for the Fire Department of New York City was one among those emergency responders that day. Father Mychal Judge was also among those who gave their lives that day while giving last rights to the dying and providing prayer and absolution.

Many within emergency service don’t understand the purpose of an emergency service chaplain, nor do they appreciate the value of these spiritual interveners. An emergency service chaplain fills a unique role within the fire, rescue, and emergency medical services field as well as in the religious community. Emergency service chaplaincy is also unique in the general context of chaplain ministries, focusing specifically on the field of fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. These chaplains span the command structure of emergency service to support both command officers and non-command ranks.

What is the role of the chaplain? Emergency service chaplains reach across denominational lines to minister to people from different faith traditions. Chaplains can be called to assist firefighter’s families in times of medical emergencies or to assist during other emergency situations. The chaplains can also be called upon to officiate at meetings and dedications, as well as to focus on the spiritual wellbeing of emergency service personnel and their families across the department. Chaplains can be involved in the happy times of families of emergency service personnel, such as weddings and baptisms; and they can also be called upon during those difficult times of sickness and death.”

An important aspect of Emergency Service Chaplains is providing palliative care. Part of fire, rescue, and emergency service traditions is memorializing those from its ranks that have died, honoring their dedication to the preservation of life and property. The County Association and Auxiliary strongly believe department and auxiliary personnel deserve recognitions of tribute at the time of their death, whether the member was an officer, Active, Life, Charter, or Retired member — all should be honored.

At Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s Annual Convention, the Chaplains Corp conducts an annual memorial service for all fire and emergency service personnel and auxiliary members who have died during the past year. In addition, the Chaplains Corp Honors the brave men and women who have died in Line-of-Duty at Fire and EMS Department Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and Roll Call of the Founders Service.

Our chaplains can be reached through the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association office or through Public Safety Communications Center in cases of emergency.