Sometimes I here of new chaplains asking how they can help their departments know 'what to do with them'. We have recently begun sharing incident reports at each of our Division 12 Chaplain Committee monthly trainings. Here are examples of two such reports from Chatham, IL in Division 48. Thank you to Dave Volkert for providing a snapshot of what he sometimes does on scene for his department.
Chaplain experience, training, roles and procedures vary from department to department. Your Fire Chief will decide what is needed in your municipality, but knowing what others do may be of help and encouragement. Dave was a firefighter for a number of years before becoming a chaplain and brings a wealth of experience to his job and these reports come in his own words.
Incident #1
The Fire Department was paged out to a structure fire, The first engine arriving on scene found flames coming from the roof of a tri-level home. I arrived on scene, located the homeowner and verified that all family members and pets were accounted for and that no one was still in the house. I also gathered vital information and location of items, chemicals, etc. that could possibly harm the firefighters.
After the basic information was taken, the Fire Chief assigned me to keep track of all firefighters on the accountability clipboard, from various districts, and account for their positions at all times.
Incident #2
the department was paged out on a 10-7 structure fire of a two story home 8 miles outside the city limits. The home was totally engulfed. The fire glow could be seen 5 miles from the site.
Upon arriving, I located the owner. While talking with him I found out that over 50 years worth of newspapers and books were stacked throughout the house. Realizing this would pose a danger to the firefighters, I immediately informed the Fire Chief of the situation. He then relayed the information to the firefighters about this dangerous threat that could even cause the collapse of the second story.
Summary:
In Chatham the Fire Chaplain carries many different duties. The Fire Chief and Firefighters must concentrate on the structure. The Fire Chaplain then steps in to gather information and to be the eyes and ears of the surroundings. The important role of the Fire Chaplain can aid in making the scene safe for the firefighters. Below are some of the duties the chaplain may be asked to perform in Chatham.
1. Collecting general information for the owner.
2. Distribute After The Fire pamphlets to the home owners on what they need to do in the first 24 hours following the fire.
3. Gather insurance information.
4. Call for assistance from local organizations such as Red Cross who bring food and water to the scene for the firefighters.
5. Distribute water as firefighters come out of the structure.
6. Be available to get equipment as the Fire Chief requests it.
7. Help check all firefighter's conditions.
8. Fill out reports for the Fire Chief.
Copies of Chatham's incident report forms are listed here
http://www.ilfirechaplains.org/sample-policy-listings.html
