Troy Calvert: Oklahoma Fire Chaplain Report

Somehow, I wound up with the assignment of submitting back-to-back articles for Oklahoma Firefighter.

There is some irony in this situation as unfortunately, part of what I wrote about in the last issue really happened in between these two articles.

In the last issue, I said the following: “Because we are a small town, there is a higher-than-normal chance that we may personally know or even be related to the people that we are summoned to help.”

Last month, I was on vacation in South Dakota with my family, when I received a call from our department informing me of a terrible MVA that tragically ended in the death of two well-known citizens in our part of Western Oklahoma.

The incident location was technically out of our response area, but Clinton Fire often responds to assist nearby departments. This night was no exception as Clinton responded.

As it turned out, the victims were well known friends and relatives of many that responded to the scene that night. My heart sank when I heard this, and I felt completely helpless. The best that I could offer was condolences over the phone and calls to make sure that someone locally was in contact with all the affected responders.

A debriefing was scheduled for all that were involved in this incident, and I was invited to attend as I often assist other nearby departments.

If you have never witnessed a debriefing, everything that is said there stays there. Confidentiality is critical to the success of any debriefing. There are no recordings or notes taken. Everyone in the room has the opportunity to talk about their role in the incident, as well as what they are feeling with no time limits. Sometimes there are a lot of tears shed, which is extremely healthy.

I was a silent observer in this session, but I teared up just trying to imagine what each of those present were going through. I will say that it touched my heart. This and other debriefings that I have been a part of only serve to reinforce my belief of their necessity and effectiveness.

I cannot stress enough the importance of timely defusings and debriefings after traumatic incidents. It does not have to be a physical trauma to have detrimental effects on all of us, as trauma takes on many forms. Loss of sleep, nightmares and depression are common problems that the human body experiences.

This can lead to alcohol and substance abuse, personality changes, withdrawal from others and even divorce or suicide.

While some of us may handle these situations better than others, none of us are completely immune to the effects.

I also want to stress that support should not end after the debriefing, as follow up is critically essential. Everyone processes these events differently and on different timelines. It takes as much time as needed.

Follow up support is not only the responsibility of a Chaplain, but everyone’s responsibility. Remember to be your brother or sister’s keeper every single day. If you are not comfortable talking with others, find someone who is, like your department Chaplain.

If your department does not have a Chaplain, reach out to us at okfirechaplains.org. Any of us will be happy to personally assist or put you in touch with the appropriate people or resources.

James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.