Fire Chaplaincy

The Florida Firefighter Safety and Health Collaborative Fire Chaplaincy Initiative was started following the condominium collapse in Surfside in June of 2021. The magnitude of this tragic event required a robust response to provide care and comfort to the fire rescue personnel who were deployed.

The tragedy in Surfside became a defining moment for many throughout emergency services. In these months that have followed, much has been done to help us better prepare for future events.

The chaplaincy has also been impacted. It became very clear that there was work to be done to better connect and coordinate fire chaplains across Florida.

Florida Fire Chaplains exist to provide fire rescue personnel with spiritual and emotional support during day-to-day operations and in times of large-scale, long-duration events.

• Discover, promote, recruit, train, and support Florida Fire Chaplains for day-to-day operations.
• Coordinate Florida fire chaplains during large-scale, long-duration events.

Surfside showed the distinct nature of the chaplaincy and the need to provide spiritual support in times of crisis. For many, great difficulty can create a crisis of faith which challenges long held spiritual beliefs. In addition, the practice of spiritual disciplines provided peace and comfort.

In addition, there was observed the complementary role chaplains play alongside mental health professionals, peer support personnel, and K-9 peer support. Together, we provide comfort and care for the heart, soul, mind, and strength of Florida firefighters.

FFSHC resources and materials may be used for all educational and non-profit purposes. We simply ask that you provide credit to the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative when using them. Commercial use is prohibited. The content presented has been contributed by selfless First Responders and supporters in the industry. The Florida Firefighter Safety and Health Collaborative is built on the strong foundation of free information and sharing resources without agenda and strengthened by the rule of reciprocity. All of the information uploaded to this site is done so under the belief in value that it will be shared with others at NO COST.

Please email info@floridafirefightersafety.org with any questions or to contribute resources.