Lunch with The Day Crew

My home department is technically what's know as a combination department. In our case we have a day crew made up of full-time paid firefighters, and volunteers that handle nights and weekends. Since I am not part of our department's paid staff I usually end up spending most of my time with the volunteers. The chief has been encouraging me to spend more time with the day crew for months now. Today I did. It was a slow day, there were no calls while I was at "the house."

The highlight of my day was when I got to go to lunch with a couple of firefighters, and a medic on the day crew. We rode "the squad" over to a barbecue place on a nearby street. One of the things that made this interesting is the two firefighters are full-time with the Houston Fire Department, and work for us on their off days. It was very educational for me to hear their perspectives on the differences between the way things are done in the two departments. I also got a better feel for the concerns etc. of at least these two firefighters, and the medic. This kind of lunch is something I want to do more of, just with different members.

Today erased any doubt in my mind that lunch can be a very useful tool for the chaplain. It helps you get those you serve in a relaxed mood, and gives you the chance for some industrial strength listening ! Its better in this informal setting not to try and force or guide the conversation. Let it flow naturally, and see what comes up. I feel like this is going to go a long way toward allowing me to build stronger relationships with more of our members. Of course it is just these kind of pre-need relationships that gives me trust and creditability when the time comes.

I spent the rest of my time at the station today going over the ambulances and engines. Reminding myself what is stowed where etc. This always prepares me for the "ministry of practical helps" aspect of my chaplaincy next time I am on scene.

All in all today's few hours at the fire house was a wonderful blessing to me. I know my ministry and my department will be better for it.