First Responder Chaplains : Spiritual Caregivers

First responder chaplains are a growing force among chaplains and emergency services personnel. These brave individuals work on the front lines of local, state, and national disasters, ready to administer spiritual aid to the injured and traumatized. In the wake of devastating storms, hurricanes, floods, tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other catastrophes, first responder chaplains can provide much-needed comfort and hope. First Responder Chaplains is a great resource for anyone contemplating the first steps toward taking on this role. Author Dr. Larry Bennett uses his own experience as a chaplain for police departments and fire and rescue teams to explain—and underscore—the level of expertise needed for the program. Bennett emphasizes that volunteer experience and emergency training isn’t all that is needed to become a first responder chaplain. A specialized course of study exists for such chaplains, and anyone interested in the program must complete all the necessary specialized training. Information about the theology of chaplaincy is also part of Bennett’s message. Chaplaincy can take a physical, emotional, and spiritual toll, and he stresses the importance of setting boundaries and knowing limitations. Using anecdotes from his own work, Bennett illustrates the many different ways that first responder chaplains serve.