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Wendy Norris

Profile Information:

Type of Organization: Combination Fire Rescue Department, Other Response Agency Type
Job Function: Firefighter / EMT-Basic, Other
Years in Fire/EMS:: 14
Primary Fire/EMS Department:: Forest Bend Fire Department
Years With Department/Agency: 3
Web Site:: http://www.firefighterministries.org
About Me:: My Bio-

I am a certified Master Chaplain and has worked within the fire chaplaincy since 1998. I currently serves as a chaplain for the Forest Bend Vol. Fire Department and has also worked on response teams for local, state, and national disasters. I specialize in PTSD, Injured Emergency Worker Care and LODD preparation and aftercare.

I serve as the Presiding Officer on the Governor’s Advisory Panel for the Star of Texas Awards. I am also the Director for the Texas LODD Task Force/NFFF LAST Team, an administrator and instructor for the Federation of Fire Chaplains, and a peer advisor for the SOAR program at Shriner's Hospital in Galveston. I am the Public Information Officer for the IAFC- Safety, Health & Survival Section.

Previously, I have worked as an industrial firefighter in Antioch, California and in Houston, Texas until I was injured in a structure fire in 1997. I also served as a volunteer firefighter. I received my fire, rescue, EMS, and instructor training at Solano College in Fairfield, California, and Texas A&M in College Station, Texas.

I have spoken at numerous events, churches, and conventions regarding my story as well as on emotional and spiritual topics that affect emergency workers. I also teach classes on
preparing for line of duty deaths and injuries, notifications, firefighter safety and LODD prevention and beyond CISD
Day Job:: Fire Chaplain
Relationship Status:: Married
Facebook or Other Online Profile:: http://adoptionandfire.typepad.com
Why I Joined Fire/EMS: I started out as an Explorer. I then became an industrial firefighter and EMT. I was also a volunteer firefighter. I am now a chaplain and the President of Firefighter Ministries, a non-profit organization that takes care of the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the emergency services.
Why I Love Fire/EMS: The friendships, the family, and the nature of the job
Top Issues Facing Responders:: Line of duty death, injury prevention and safety.

Comment Wall:

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cliff thurlow

Hi Wendy
Thank you for the note about getting the DVD.After you have a chance to look and listen ,please feel free to let me know what you think.Also any ideas you may have as a good way to getting it out there.I am donating a portion to the Mich Firemans Site in Roscommond Mich
Thanks Wendy
Cliff

Jan 28, 2008
EAJ4

Howdy....Ya I am definately interested in more info!
I will check out the website. Thanks and God Bless!

Jan 30, 2008
Budd

I red your blogs and was really impressed thank you for your stand for Christ
Budd

Feb 11, 2008
Jason Martin

Keep up the good work and keep it safe

Feb 12, 2008
Steve

wendy it's Steve again where should I look to start my path on becoming a Chaplin ?

thanks !!

Mar 2, 2008
Tiger Schmittendorf

Hi Wendy -

Thanks for thinking of me. I've been extremely busy at work so I enjoy having the time to write a few stress relievers once in a while.

I'd like you to read a blog and chart I wrote last year about Fire Service Funeral Practices and get your take on my crazy ideas. It's a topic that's very near and dear to me, as it is to you, I'm sure.

http://www.firefighternation.com/profiles/blog/show?id=889755%3ABlogPost%3A136383#comments

Let me know what you think. I'd be honored with your feedback.

Stay safe. Train often.

Mar 3, 2008
Berni

Hi Wendy!
Just wanted to say hi and I hope you're doing well.
Stay safe!
Berni

Mar 5, 2008
Jennie Swanson

Hi Wendy. Just found this site today, looking forward to meeting some folks.

Blessings and peace -
Jennie

Mar 14, 2008
David Ebel

Hi Wendy,

Here is another resource for you to share...

Blessings,

David Ebel

Please check out the new site created by responders for responders...

Visit Emergency and Disaster Responders

Mar 19, 2008
Heart of a Hero

It's been a while since I've come over and said hello - so I wanted to take a minute and do it - -hope you're doing great and staying safe!

Come by and check out my page leave a comment if you'd like. Thanks!

Paul King
Heart of a Hero

Apr 15, 2008
frank r sulzer

just wanted to say hi and see how you are doing

Apr 17, 2008
Michael Vito

Hello,

Just read some few devotion. Keep it up! In our volunteer service in our area we don't have a group such as the chaplain service. But because of your site, it gave me an idea that we need such group. I will try to propose in our association.

God Bless!

May 11, 2008
Bill Heizer F/F E.M/T.-P

Welcome to the Nation from Amarillo Texas. Enjoy the site, Keep spreading the word and stay safe

May 19, 2008
Chan Rivera

welcome to ffn from ny

May 21, 2008
Michael Vito

have a good one too.

May 27, 2008
Mike Schmitt

Thanks Wendy!

May 28, 2008
Bobby Shelton

Have a great weekend Wendy, be safe

May 29, 2008
Rhino

Hello, I got to see some scenes for the movie FIREPROOF tonight at our South West Georgia Chief Assoc. Chief Carswell from the Albany Fire Dept. whos department worked on the movie showed the trailers. If you were impressed with Facing The Giants I think you will really like this one also... They are going to have a special showing for the area fire fighters some time real soon and when go I will be sure to fill you in..

Jun 3, 2008
Chris Turner

You are a beautiful person Wendy and stay safe out there in field

Chris Turner

Jun 6, 2008
Chris Turner

Your welcome

Jun 7, 2008
Engine 32 Capt.

Thanks Wendy for clarifying that for me. I guess I misunderstood the purpose of your trip, but after reading your Bio I understand.

It's good to see that someone is taking an active role in LODD services. I've been involved in a few here and too often it seems as if there is no direction and there are several people trying to put their hands in the process, which makes a difficult situation even more so.

It would be nice to have a task force or something similar here to lay the foundation for consistent and adequate services.

Keep up the good work and God Bless. As far as I'm concerned, your job is just as important as any of ours, if not more so.

Jun 8, 2008
Tiger Schmittendorf

Hi Wendy -

Here it is:
http://www.firefighternation.com/profiles/blog/show?id=889755%3ABlogPost%3A136383&page=1

Let me know what you think.

Stay safe. Train often.

Jun 8, 2008
Shannon H. Pennington

Hey Wendy: keep the faith.....I served to serve and in the process found faith that has kept me pointing in the direction I need to keep.......NAFFVN and firefighterveteran.com/ web site...have a look...use the tools there in your efforts to help us...to help others...Project is called F.I.R.S.T. S.T.E.P. H.O.P.E. care for the caregivers.....check it out...in the meantime.....Keep smiling and Keep going at the bit "IT" cause sooner or later.....they them the other guys will get "IT"......Having served for my entire 26 year career as an IAFF member and as a member of our Honor Guard....as well as past president by election of my peers....for 7 years and three as emeritus....having served on over 155 pensioners funerals, four line of duty deaths and 6 firefighter suicides.....I will add here....you have my love admiration and support for your work and for the ministry.....
God Bless you
God Bless your hands and heart.....
much respect and
a "General Salute"
from my orgnaization to yours....

Shannon.....ptsd firefighterveteran

Jun 8, 2008
Engine 32 Capt.

Wendy;

I've met Ronnie before. I'll email him for more information. I've been here for 13 years now and on the Honor Guard for 10 (3 of which as the OIC), and did not know we had a state task force for funerals. I'm curious to see what his response is. We have a Chaplains association, but I had to teach them a class last year on funeral protocol at the county fire school. Unfortunately I was only afforded a couple of hours, which of course wasn't nearly enough time

Fortunately we don't have many LODD deaths here. Most of the funerals we've participated in have been non-LODD, but even still there never seems to be any direction. We try to be a leader in this aspect, but typically get railroaded by someone else who thinks they know how things should be.

In any event - thanks for your thoughts.

Jun 9, 2008
Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd

Hi Wendy, I'm not sure how to connect you or provide the FFN address for another member being new to FFN. I have had the opportunity to talk a couple of times to a wonderful Fire Chaplain in South Africa that I am sure would benefit and truly enjoy having the opportunity to take advantage of the resources that you have access to. Here's one of our fire chaplains on scene at a reported drowning in my 1st in district, which happens to be the pacific ocean... : ) Take care, Mike

Jun 19, 2008
Karen Lee FitzPatrick

Hi Wendy:

Nice to know you are showing the love of Christ in this profession. That was also my goal. I hope you will read, and pass on the word--regarding the book about me, doing just that! "Angel Promises...Remembering the Youngest Firefighter." "The Thirtymile fire" is expected to be a movie...out sometime after the latest re-make of "Fire On the Mountain,"(book by John N. Maclean) by National Georgraphic films in 2009. See www.karenleefitzpatrick.com The Lord is everpresent, and with us always, even through the hardest day, and the most horrific fires!--KF

Jun 20, 2008
Paul

Hey Wendy, How are you? I see your from Texas. I plan on visiting Dallas in the not so distant future ( new business venture). Have you ever been there? If so, you will have to let me know what to see. Thanks, and Stay Safe!

Jun 26, 2008
R. Dale Ladd

Hello Wendy,Hope you and your family are doing well. I cut right to it, Im in NC and have FF in our dept. with a very sick child, Prayer is our way of life here so what better way to get the prayers out. Visit the site below and pray hard for this Child http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggiejoynicholson

Jul 1, 2008
Chaplain Gerta Coetzee

Hi Wendy, Mike told me bout you. I am from Gauteng, South Africa. I enjoyed brousing through your page. My husband and 2 sons LOVes your photos. Many Blessings In The Work That You Do, I admire you for what you have acchieved. Blessings, Chaplain Gerta Coetzee, South Africa

Jul 3, 2008
Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd

Wendy, You have my permission to use any of my photographs for the Federation of Fire Chaplains website. I consider it an honor to be able to serve our Lord ins such a manner and that of course includes sharing my creativity in the form of my photography. Take care of yourself. Mike

Jul 13, 2008
Glenn Young

Hi Wendy I 'am new to FFN and found your page. Thanks for all you do. It is great to see all the Christian FF. The Devotions look great and I plain on sharing and studing them. Again thanks for all. Please let me know if you have any more out there to buy.

Jul 19, 2008
catfish

just wanted to say hello

Jul 28, 2008
Joe Wilson

Thanks for the add, and thanks for what you do for the fire service!

Jul 29, 2008
Glenn Young

Thinks for all you do and the devotions.

Aug 3, 2008
Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd

Wendy, I am not concerned about having a link to the photographs. And as long as you are not making a profit off my arts and crafts, you may use these and future photos. You may want to credit me for taking the shots but I'm not too worried about this because I am doing it to simply help a christian sister. My best, Mike

Sep 8, 2008
Raven Tew

I just wanted to let you know that your blog really touched my heart. I know that I cannot do what you do; I will be content to make a difference in someone's life that I save on the ambulance. I also wanted to let you know that I did share you blog with some other of my EMS/FF friends. It made me think of all the people that I neglect to tell I love you everyday. I hope to change that here in a few minutes. Like I said before keep up the faith and the good work. God is currently blessing you.

Sep 8, 2008
Bruce Mack

Hi Wendy, heard you last year at Emmitsburg you did a great job hope to meet you there. Keep up the great work.

Sep 10, 2008
Justin Buck

how is everythang in Texas

Sep 18, 2008
Justin Buck

thanks for the add. Stay Safe

Sep 20, 2008
JP Moore

Hello Wendy... as a former resident of Galveston, I just wanted to take a moment to say that we are thinking of our brothers and sister firefighters down on the Texas Gulf Coast. Take care of yourself and each other.

Sep 25, 2008
Alessandro

thx for the add, Wendy. you are very nice. Stay safe from Sicily!

Oct 6, 2008
JP Moore

Our prayers are with you. Let us know if we can do more.

Oct 10, 2008
Tiger Schmittendorf

No Wendy -

Only WebChief can do that. Drop him a line and let him know what you're trying to do. He's very cooperative for the right cause.

Stay safe. Train often.

Nov 2, 2008
Tiger Schmittendorf

See, I told you he'd help you out!

Nov 3, 2008
Sue Okenyi

Thanks Wendy! I'm so glad you responded to me! Reading some of what you've done, I am so interested in learning more. Sounds like you have the training, expertise to do what I was kind of thrown into...gladly so. I realize how very much I need to learn and I want to. I signed up just now for "Rescuing the Rescuer". I'm looking forward to learning more about that. I saw that there is a Christain Fire Fighters link. I am an honorary member of the Fresno, CA Fire Fighters For Christ Group for four years now. A connection that came out of one of our local guys meeting one of my East Coast friends. Anyway, I know you are very busy but I hope we will have more time to communicate. God Bless.

Nov 6, 2008
Chris Turner

Dear Wendy,

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. To me you are still a wonderful person on the inside and out. Stay safe and be careful out there in the field.
Thanks,
Chris Turner

Nov 19, 2008
Mick Mayers

How's everything going? Just scanning my "friends" list and seeing who I hadn't talked with in a while. Hope all is well on your end. Stay safe!

Dec 7, 2008
Sue Okenyi

Hey Wendy!

Glad to hear from you! Happy New Year! Hope November and December were a good busy. Glad the book is received. I will value your thoughts on it. Hey I'm going to participate in a Fire House World Expo! It's in San Diego next month. I'm excited about it! It's costly to participate but I'm hoping to make good contacts. I received a little financial support from the East Coast so I'm going for it! Please help me pray for God's direction to the right contacts.

Jan 11, 2009
Sue Okenyi

How awesome! I look forward to meeting you! I'll send you my cell phone number so we can get in contact there.

Jan 11, 2009
Christopher J. Naum, SFPE

Wendy;
Please add the following two groups to your page or the IAFC SHS page that ou launched since they are directly related to our mission and goals;
I'm also doing a number of series and postings under FF Strategy & Tactics Formum called Five Minutes in the Street..
http://www.firefighternation.com/group/buildingconstructionfirefightersafety
http://www.firefighternation.com/group/commandsafety
Thanks
Chris Naum,
IAFC SHS Section

Mar 28, 2009

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