Chaplain's Chatter

Overview of Chaplaincy Program

Welcome to the blog of the Marion County Fire Rescue Chaplaincy Program.  It is my hope that this blog will serve to encourage you as you serve those in Marion County.

I started my journey into the fire service years ago.  After graduating college, I started a career in public education.  I was a teacher for three years and then became a high school principal at a small school.  Since we did not have a school nurse, students that were ill or hurt were sent to the main office.  At that point I realized I needed to know a little more, so I became an EMT with the local ambulance service.

I left that school and went to another.  In this new community, the ambulance service was part of the fire department, so I got involved there.  The only problem was that this department ran with paramedics.  Since going to paramedic school was not an option for me at the time, I became involved in the fire side of things.

I wasn't too keen on going into burning buildings so I became a driver/engineer.  As an educator, I was also able to become an instructor.  After a total of 11 years in education, and 8 years as a volunteer with fire-rescue, I went into the ministry full time serving as a pastor.

Then my two worlds, a passion for ministry and love of fire-rescue, came together perfectly in the chaplaincy.  I served as the first Chaplain with the Palatine Fire Department (a suburb of Chicago) for five years prior to moving to Florida.  It is now my great privilege to serve with Marion County Fire Rescue.

It has been said that the chaplaincy is a ministry of presence.  I pray that I will be able to bring some peace and comfort to your world as you encounter situations that are often stressful and difficult.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

 

Joe LaCognata

Announcing Fire Rescue Support

I am excited to let you know about Fire Rescue Support, Inc.  Founded on September 11, 2011, Fire Rescue Support exists to support fire rescue personnel before, during and after the call.  You can check out all the details at www.firerescuesupport.com.  You can also find Fire Rescue Support, Inc. on Facebook at www.facebook.com/firerescuesupport.

 

Chaplain's Log 110630

On Saturday, June 30, I had the privilege of serving as Chaplain for the graduation ceremony of Military Class 2011-5 at the Florida Fire College.  This class consisted of 60 members of the 300th CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) Company of the US Army Reserves based out of West Virginia.  For 70 days, they participated in the Technical Rescue Series.  This group now stands ready to deploy within 96 hours to natural or man-made disasters in the United States.

In my remarks before the benediction, I spoke of my relationship with MCFR.  I told them how you stand at the ready 24/7 to meet the needs of our community.  I explained how you've trained and equipped yourselves to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters in Marion County and beyond.

And while I expressed my appreciation for the readiness of the 300th CBRN, I told them I hoped we never meet again.  Because if we did, I knew it would be during a large-scale event.

I'm glad to know that you are ready to help at a moment's notice.  I'm also glad to know that there are those ready to assist you should the need arise.

Chaplain’s Log – Honoring the Fallen

On Monday, June 20, two state Division of Forestry firefighters died while working to control a blaze in Hamilton County.  On Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26, I had the privilege of attending their funerals.

The sights and sounds of these events were full of honor and decorum.  Hundreds of uniformed personnel lined the church foyer forming a corridor for the family of the victims to walk through.  Commanders barked out orders to the honor guard and others present.  The parking lot was filled with fire apparatus and a huge American flag strung between two tower ladders.

Inside the church auditorium, flag draped coffins provided the focal point; a grim reminder of the reality of the life and death nature of the job.  Words of sorrow were expressed along with joyful memories of the past.  The family was honored with tokens of recognition and appreciation from those with the Division of Forestry.

The Bible verse that was talked about at both funerals was John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  Jesus was teaching us to love one another all the way to the point of sacrifice.  This was the kind of love He was willing to show us.

But even more than dying for friends, Jesus was willing to die for His enemies.  Here’s what we read in Romans 5:7-8.  “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

The most emotional moment of the funerals for me was when dispatch called for the fallen firefighters.  “Suwannee 630 from dispatch.  Suwannee 630 from dispatch.  Suwannee 630 from dispatch.”  There was no answer.  They had responded to their final call.  They were now out of service.

Josh Burch and Brett Fulton laid down their lives for people they knew and for those that they didn’t.  They died to protect their people and their property.  Jesus died for all; friends and enemies.  And He died not to protect our today, but to preserve our forever.

 

Chaplain's Log 110619

Over the years I’ve been called by many names: son, brother, husband, teacher, pastor and chaplain to list some.  All of these have brought great responsibility and privilege.  But the name that has been the most life-changing for me is dad.

My wife and I have been blessed with five children, which has given me plenty of opportunity to hear that name again and again.  I’ve been a dad for twenty-two years and during this time have learned much about myself and even more about God.

I’ve found that I’m not nearly as patient as I thought I was.  I’ve realized that I enjoy being home surrounded by family more than ever.  I’ve learned that love must be tangibly expressed.  I’ve also come to understand just a little about how much God must love me.

To the dads of MCFR – Happy Fathers Day!  It is my prayer that you would be the strongest when showing love to your children, the bravest when protecting your family and that you would train the hardest for the role of being a dad.

Chaplain's Log Update 110603

It’s been nearly a month since I posted on this blog.  God is good, life is great, my family is well and my connection with MCFR is getting stronger all the time.  Here’s a brief rundown of my activity with Fire Rescue since my last post…

• 5/10 – car accident (Station 17)
• 5/14 – mobile home fire (Stations 2, 9, 19)
• 5/14 – tree on house (Stations 18, 30)
• 5/14 – house fire (Stations 24, 31, 32)
• 5/18 – mobile home fire (Stations 6, 10, 18, 27, 30)
• 5/18 – grass fire (Stations 7, 13, 15)
• 5/20 – car accident (Station 10)
• 5/25 – grass fire (Stations 16, 17, 18, 28, 30)
• 5/28 – memorial service (Station 25)
• 5/29 – grass fire (Stations 7, 13, 15)
• 5/30 – mobile home fire (Stations 17, 18, 30)
• 6/1 – ride-along (Communications Center)

I list all of this to keep track of my time with MCFR.  It also serves as a reminder as to how much activity there is in our County.  And these calls don’t include the hundreds, even thousands of medical calls that took place during this time period.

Every time I have the privilege of responding with Fire Rescue I’m reminded of their ongoing commitment to each and every one of us each and every day.

 

"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."  Galatians 6:9

Chaplain’s Log Weekend of 110506

This weekend found me responding with MCFR to three calls.  Friday’s call was a house fire in District 1.  I had the opportunity to connect with Stations 1, 11 & 20.  The fire damaged much of the home.  I was able to leave knowing the family was safe and had already made other arrangements for a place to stay.

After church on Saturday, I looked on the County’s Live Scanner and saw that a large number of units had been on the scene of a grass fire near my home in District 3 for a couple of hours.  I brought my family home then headed out to the scene.  About 70 acres had burned.  The guys were only into the beginning of what would be a long night.  Actually, this fire continued to get attention from MCFR for the next several days.  Units from Stations 6, 10, 17 and 27 were on this call.

Finally, after enjoying a wonderful Mother’s Day with my family, I responded to a call for a house fire near Station 30.  The department met up with a fully involved travel trailer.  I was able to connect with the resident and make sure he had somewhere to be that night.

What seemed like a lot of responding for me is nothing compared to what MCFR deals with all the time.  The department responds to nearly 180 calls per day.  And I can tell you this because I’ve been with them; every call gets their full effort and attention.  I am very proud to be associated with this incredible organization.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”  Ephesians 1:16

Chaplain's Log (catching up)

I’m behind on my blogging, so let me catch up and let you know about my past week with MCFR.

I’ll go back to Monday, April 18 when my family and I had the opportunity to tour the Communications Center.  We had a great time being totally impressed with the people and the technology.  Every time I visit I leave with a sense of amazement to the work that is done there.  Thanks to the team for all you do!

On Wednesday, April 20, I was invited to Station 17 for dinner.  Lt. Chappell and his crew served up an incredible meal.  Ten of us gathered around the table for a great time of connecting.  Lt. Chappell uses this time well as he builds into his team.  After dinner, we spent some time discussing and planning some future steps for the chaplaincy.

After a full weekend of Easter services, I enjoyed some down time with my family Sunday afternoon.  About 1730 a call came in for a grass fire at the Fore Lake Campground.  About 30 minutes into the call, plans were being made for a possible evacuation of the campground.  At that point I decided to head up to Fore Lake to lend my assistance.  The fire stayed contained and an evacuation was not necessary.  While there, I saw the Department of Forestry in action starting some controlled burns.  It was incredible to see MCFR standing by to put out fires while DOF was there starting them!

Finally, on Monday, April 25, I responded to a motor vehicle accident near the Silver Springs attraction.  All the patients were clear of the scene by the time I arrived, but I did have the opportunity to connect with crews from Station 1 and Station 4.

 

Chaplain's Log 110416

I spent part of my morning with a group of fools.  These fools are part of the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS).  According to the FOOLS International website (www.foolsinternational.com), “We are about preserving the tradition and heritage of the fire service and taking care of our brother and sister firefighters.”

The event this morning was a training session organized by McFOOLS (the Marion County FOOLS Chapter) held at the Florida State Fire College.  Many from MCFR were there for a special day of training.  These guys were there on their own time and at their own expense.  They were there to keep their skills sharp so they can be the best at what they do.

I’m very grateful that the men and women who are committed to taking care of us are also committed to taking care of themselves through training.  Beyond this, I am grateful to the One is taking care of them.

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.  He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.  He trains my hands for battle;    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.  You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”  Psalm 18:32-36

Chaplain’s Log 110404

The call came in around noon.  It sounded like just another grass fire.  When the incident was sent out via pager at 1240, I decided to head out to Salt Springs and the area around Lake Kerr.

I met up with Captain Kim Cronmiller and joined her as she checked on the progress of the fire.  MCFR took up position defending two main areas of houses.  This provided an incredible sense of relief to the residents.  The Department of Forestry worked deeper into the fire to help bring in under control.  I had the chance to see them use a helicopter for fire fighting, something I’ve never seen in person before.

Fortunately, the fire did not progress beyond its original location.  All in all, 15 acres were affected.

 

Chaplain's Log 110403

Today I had the great opportunity to ride-along with Division Chief Bart Walker.  I first met Chief Walker after the Citra fire back in November.  I had a great time talking with him about his history with the department and dreams for the future of MCFR.

On our travels we stopped by the Communications Center, met Engine 11, Engine 20 and Rescue 20 on a call, and stopped by Station 19.

The heartbeat of the chaplaincy is spending time with the men and women of MCFR to connect and build relationships.  Today was another opportunity to do just that.

 

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10