January 26, 2012

A near capacity crowd of Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department members attended a four hour program at the Patterson Park auditorium today

 titled, “ Keeping Our Responders Safe For Duty “. The guest lecturer was Fire Chaplain Paul Trumpore, chaplain for the City of Knoxville Fire Department.

Chaplain Trumpore is the South East Director of the Federation of Fire Chaplains, as well as an instructor at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Enforcement Academy.

The presentation focused on the unique stressors and needs of emergency responders as they interact with the public in crisis situations over the course of their careers. The program began with an over view of the chaplaincy mission in emergency services and delved into the specific circumstances that arise for responders at work and in their home lives. Coping strategies and warning signs of stress were covered in detail.

Two of the M.F.R.D.’s shift crews were in attendance in one of the largest fire training events held in the City in recent memory. The remaining of the three shifts will receive the program at a later date.

Chaplain Tempore is a veteran fire fighter in Knoxville and has the career perspective unique to firefighters. His insights into various common response scenarios brought knowing laughter to the sometimes somber audience of fire professionals.  Murfreesboro Firefighters Association Chaplain Captain Lee Douglas was also on hand to introduce the guest speaker. Chaplain Douglas is sponsored by the Murfreesboro Firefighters Association and has been since the inception of the position. He will be presenting the second round of the class.