Kevin, welcome to the Nation. I am glad you dropped in to join the group. Dont be shy just jump in anywhere and get your feet wet. There is lots to do, read and be involved with. Your participation and involvement is important to us all. Takes a bit to kinda figure it all out but you will be glad you did. Have fun and look around.
Kevin, I have had the same situation in the beginning of my Chaplain work. Our county department had never had a Chaplain ever. So I felt like I was feeling my way through the dark. The good thing about this is that no one will compare you to the previous Chaplain and also you can shape your work as you want it. I don't know what is available in Iowa, but here in Tennessee there is the TFFC, (Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains) that helped me tremendously. I attend numerous classes through the federation that include classes on C.I.S.M. (Critical Incident stress management). TFFC is under the umbrella of FFC (Federation of Fire Chaplains) and there is a lot of resources available on their website. One piece of advise that I can give you is to always be professional in your look and your actions.
Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp
Chief William Sharp
Southern Oregon Coast
Feb 14, 2009
Ted Gentle
Mar 18, 2010