DANIEL PERSINGER ’21:
I have something to give
“As I’ve dealt with muscular dystrophy, I always think ‘how can I fit into the world and be a light to someone else?’” DANIEL PERSINGER ’21
As a child, Daniel Persinger ’21 was very confident about his future. After watching reruns of the show “Emergency,” enjoying a birthday party at a fire station, and, later, participating in Boy Scout experiences with the Rockford (Ill.) Fire Department, he knew he was destined to become a firefighter. Then his plan was derailed by his health. “I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy on July 5, 2012,” he explained. “The doctor said, ‘You can’t be a firefighter’ and that squashed my dreams.” Persinger knew in his heart that “I have something to give.” As he searched for a new career path, he learned about the chaplains who serve fire departments. “My plans exploded from there,” he said. “I had grown up in the United Methodist Church and wanted to find a way to help people.” Six years ago Persinger began shadowing a fire chaplain in Machesney Park, Ill., near his hometown of Rockford. He witnessed
1 2 NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE northcentralcollege.edu
how first responders must handle a variety of emergency calls. “Being present with (first responders) is the most important thing,” he explained. “If people know you, they’ll feel comfortable talking to you when the need arises.” Persinger then became a “volunteer” chaplain for the Rockford, New Milford and Blackhawk fire departments. Chaplains must apply for their positions, which require 24/7 availability for a small stipend. “You have to know the culture … and reassure [firefighters] that it’s okay to not be okay and to take time off if necessary. Their mentality is that 'I’ll be just fine.’” Along the way he also gained experience as a volunteer chaplain at Mercyhealth Hospital in Rockford up until the start of pandemic. There, he completed a course called Clinical Pastoral Education. “I loved it,” he added. After Persinger finished an associate of arts degree from Rock Valley College, he wanted to earn a four-year degree and
