There are many things we are unaware of that makes a community function and today we were enlightened of what goes on behind the scenes.
Debbie Ivey, lead chaplain of the Redding Police and Fire Department came to speak and inform us of this really important job.
When you hear about a police involved shooting and then read that they are on paid leave pending further investigation, makes you wonder why. Why are they on leave? Why are they getting paid? Why is there an investigation? What did they do wrong?
Good news, apparently nothing.
Due to the trauma, even if they say they are fine, it becomes a mandatory 2 week leave. Sure it is their job, but day after day of trauma can take its toll on even the toughest exterior. Emotions can mount up for anyone, but for the emergency responders it can be a weekly encounter. So this is where the chaplain intervenes to help calm the storm brewing.
Crisis after crisis is what they are dealing with, highs and lows. They are only human and being numb to feelings is not even realistic. Most of us could never do the job.
Back in the late 60s we had gone on a day trip on Labor Day. Returning home we were slowed to a crawl and even stopped for a very long time. An hour and half later we passed the aftermath on the road. Today I still think of what I saw and can only imagine. There on the road was a broken part of a steering wheel and a shoe. There were lots of other things covering the road but those 2 things stuck out and knowing someone or more died that day. The trauma for the first responders had to have affected them, it would be impossible to get that out of your mind. Yet they will soon have another emergency.
It was interesting to know that the Chaplain Program has nothing to do with religion. It is all over the country and other countries also, serving the emergence responders and the community.
Chaplains provide:
-Family support services & counseling
-Spiritual guidance & prayer support
-Officiating at department ceremonies
-Wedding planning & officiating
-Funeral planning & officiating
-Home & hospital visitations
-Stress management & crisis counseling
-School crisis intervention
-Community aid referrals
-Evacuation scene support
-Follow up services to families
-Search & rescue assistance
Chaplain’s Office 530-225-4164
777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, CA 96001
They are a non-profit group.