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Chaplaincy…a special calling within the fire service

There are many programs and associations set up to help members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. One such program is the Chaplain Program.

The original function of this program was to assist County firefighters when they became severely injured or ill. Since that time, it has expanded to include all Fire Department uniformed and civilian members.

Once Fire Command and Control Facility dispatchers are notified that a member has been sent to the hospital, the Chaplain on duty will travel to the hospital to check on the employee, make necessary notification to both family and Fire Department personnel, and continue to follow the progress of the employee, assisting them in various ways as they recover, including emotional and spiritual support.

Chaplains also assist in the event of a death. When a member of the Department passes away, they help family members with making funeral arrangements, conducting funeral services when requested and helping surviving family members locate death benefits due to them.

In 1996, a special tax-deductible fund was created to assist Fire Department members and their families. This fund is supported through donations, which help defray costs associated with providing special help in times of crisis.