We asked Chaplain Brent a few questions to help everyone understand what he does for the Minooka Fire Protection Distrcit.

How do you support firefighters after a particularly traumatic call?

It varies depending on the situation and personnel…but one of the key things I try to do is get them to talk about what just happened, what they saw, what they experienced.  One of the key ideas I’ve learned and experienced is that the more opportunities a first responder has to talk about trauma the less it sticks with them.  It doesn’t mean it just goes away, but it helps alleviate some of the emotional stress one deals with in this line of work.  The more one holds on to trauma and doesn’t talk about it, the more those calls damage the psyche and emotions of first responders.  By asking questions and giving them time to talk, I believe I am helping them carry a lighter burden internally.  This act of communication may happen around a truck on the scene, at a meal back at the station, or perhaps even in a more formal debriefing.

How do you serve members who aren’t religious?

For me this hasn’t even been something I think about when interacting with the firefighters.  I see them all as firefighters, and I have been given the amazing honor and privilege to be their cheerleader and confidant.  My role is to come alongside and be there as an encourager and helper for whoever I’m beside.  I see my role not as proselytizing or being “the man of the cloth” around the fire station, but as being the one to listen, support, and encourage, regardless of one’s faith status.

What’s the hardest part of the job emotionally, and how do you take care of yourself?

Not knowing when or what the next call may be.  Unlike the firefighters, I am not on shift when a call comes in.  For me as a volunteer, I am going about my usual life at home or at work.  This can take a toll at times, especially when many calls do not come at opportune times.  As I get into my vehicle and head to the scene, I pray for God to give me what is needed to help the victims and the firefighters.  And just like the firefighters, when I return from a traumatic call, I share what I experienced with my wife and close friends so I can get more of the trauma out than keep it inside.

What does the fire department need most right now that people outside the service don’t see?

As the Minooka area continues to grow and the number of daily calls increases for the department, the need for more qualified and called firefighters/paramedics is great.  I’m amazed at the amount of overtime our people have to put in due to personnel shortages at times.  Being a firefighter/paramedic is not just a job, I believe it is a calling.  It’s a calling for certain people to not just look for a paycheck, but to make an impact for humanity by being there for others in crisis while everyone else goes the other way.  Minooka has had a rich heritage of amazing men and women who have staffed our district over the years. I hope we will see many more young people look to the calling and career of being a firefighter/paramedic in these next few years to keep up with our community’s growth.

What would you want the public to understand about the mental and emotional toll on firefighters?

This type of job is a calling.  If you lack the desire and patience to serve others, you won’t last long in the fire service.  The whole job of a firefighter/paramedic is to help in difficult situations.  No one calls 911 because they are having a good day, instead they call because they are in trouble.  Firefighter/paramedics walk into work every day not knowing what, when, or where they may be called to that day.  They see and experience things, so the rest of the community doesn’t have to.  They go to the death of a child, and then after work, they have to go home to their own children.  They see death on a regular basis, while the rest of the world tries to avoid it.  They walk onto scenes that seem impossible and somehow try to bring help.  They may be sleeping soundly, and in a moment’s notice they have to rush to a scene not half asleep but awake and ready.  All of these examples and much more, give a glimpse into the strain and stress for members of the fire service.  Because of the 24-hour duty shift schedule, their life rhythms become very different from most of those around them who work 8-10 hour shifts and then go home.  The work of a firefighter/paramedic involves stepping into traumatic situations repeatedly day in and day out.  It is a sacrifice, but I am so grateful for the men and women who do so to take care of their neighbors and community.

Chaplain Brent has recently celebrated 15 years of service at the Minooka Fire District. He is also the Executive Pastor at Mission Bible in Minooka.