Champion Responders - Fire Chaplaincy Services

01/12/2023

I second Paul's sentiment and miss my friend Chief Bobby Halton. Prior to assuming the mantle at Fire Engineering and FDIC, he was my Fire Chief at the Coppell Fire Department and I was honored to serve as his Chaplain. We spent many hours discussing his love and passion for the fire service, his spiritual journey and the role of faith in Resiliency and dealing with trauma. We prayed together often. He and my later Chief, Kevin Richardson, were instrumental in mu being able to share this message and training, not only at FDIC but to departments throughout the country. He introduced me to Chief Dan DeGryse and Father Jimmy and their effort firefighters dealing with trauma and su***de. As all who knew him, he was VERY old school when it came to traditions of the fire service and yet very progressive when it came to firefighting tactics and safety. He was a learner until the day he died and challenged those around him to thinking and rethinking our craft. The fire service is better because of his contributions. He championed the role of Fire Chaplains and the critical role of spirituality in mental health and dealing with trauma.
I miss you friend and brother.
May you rest in peace.

Chief, I sincerely hope you are walking and conversing with the legendary stoics and fire service icons. Art by Paul Combs.

08/15/2022

Powerful true story about overcoming difficulties in the life of an emergency responder and the role of faith in finding victory and peace.
This makes me even more aware of the power of the work that God has called me to helping emergency responders throughout ministry, Champion Responders. It is such an honor to get to work with fellow firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers, supporting them and helping them to face these challenges and find victory and peace.
www.championresponders.com

Facing the threat of losing his job as a police officer, the loss of his wife and daughter, and contemplating su***de, a man turns to faith and finds hope and redemption.

06/07/2019

Resilience thought for today.
Have a blessed day.

01/20/2019

Thank you again to all who are supporting this critical work with your prayers and finances. Getting ready to teach a Fire Chaplains certification in Alabama, then on to Pennsylvania, Maine and Illinois to teach the "In For the Long Haul" (Bunker Gear for the Mind) training on mental resilience to emergency responders. You can also keep up with more details on my personal FB page... Steve Calvert.

11/09/2018

Firefighter training on mental resilience and post traumatic stress is at a critical point.
Many fire departments are just now getting on board with the need for resiliency training. The rates of alcohol abuse, divorce and su***de among firefighters and first responders is alarming.
This training is being presented all over the country and at FDIC for three years with tremendous success.
If you are a member of a department needing this training, please contact me. Slots are filling fast.
Please pass this on to any other departments or firefighters who might find this helpful.

10/28/2018

Incredible group of Fire Chaplains from cities surrounding Coppell. Ready to serve.

09/22/2016

"It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us." Jackie Mutcheson. Join us in making a difference on September 22 - !