Calls Take a Toll on First Responders, Chaplains Offer Support
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: September 12, 2012
First responders have plenty to deal with whenever they're called on scene and much of that can take a heavy toll.
Although it's not obligatory, many fire stations and law enforcement offices have chaplains to help not only the victims, but the officers as well.
Just hear these sirens and you know help is on the way.
"If it's a child or an infant, that really hits home," said Hamby volunteer firefighter Adam Wester
But sometimes those first responders need a hero of their own.
That's where Dustin Tatro comes in.
He's a certified chaplain whose there to serve those who serve us.
"Emergency service workers see more stressful situations than most people can be counted on to see in a lifetime," said Tatro.
One of Tatro's biggest examples of that kind of sacrificial service is Father Mychal Judge.
"Who was at Ground Zero and was struck by debris from the falling south tower of the World Trade Center," explained Tatro, "Father Judge's death gives us all encouragement to do what we do."
Police officers in Abilene always have this open door to go through whenever they need encouragement.
Chaplain Donna Kleman works with the more than 100 officers there.
"We try to offer support that is going to allow them to either vent or be able to speak what they're thinking about," she said.
"She's been instrumental in actually doing one of our first police officer memorials all the way to helping assist when we lost our first officer," said Lt. Gerald Moran.
One of the things that chaplain Kleman does is hand each and every one of her officers a special coin, with a prayer which Kleman reads:
"Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God."
They're the hidden safe havens for those who risk their lives daily for us.
Chaplain Kleman says many of the officers were treated with massages as a way to honor their service on 9/11.
She says every little act of appreciation is what helps them get through the toughest parts of being on the job.
Although it's not obligatory, many fire stations and law enforcement offices have chaplains to help not only the victims, but the officers as well.
Just hear these sirens and you know help is on the way.
"If it's a child or an infant, that really hits home," said Hamby volunteer firefighter Adam Wester
But sometimes those first responders need a hero of their own.
That's where Dustin Tatro comes in.
He's a certified chaplain whose there to serve those who serve us.
"Emergency service workers see more stressful situations than most people can be counted on to see in a lifetime," said Tatro.
One of Tatro's biggest examples of that kind of sacrificial service is Father Mychal Judge.
"Who was at Ground Zero and was struck by debris from the falling south tower of the World Trade Center," explained Tatro, "Father Judge's death gives us all encouragement to do what we do."
Police officers in Abilene always have this open door to go through whenever they need encouragement.
Chaplain Donna Kleman works with the more than 100 officers there.
"We try to offer support that is going to allow them to either vent or be able to speak what they're thinking about," she said.
"She's been instrumental in actually doing one of our first police officer memorials all the way to helping assist when we lost our first officer," said Lt. Gerald Moran.
One of the things that chaplain Kleman does is hand each and every one of her officers a special coin, with a prayer which Kleman reads:
"Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God."
They're the hidden safe havens for those who risk their lives daily for us.
Chaplain Kleman says many of the officers were treated with massages as a way to honor their service on 9/11.
She says every little act of appreciation is what helps them get through the toughest parts of being on the job.
