Gravenhurst Volunteer Fire Department

Many of the scenes and situations that we encounter and deal with as firefighters can result in a wide range of emotions and feelings for both the firefighters and the people that we come to help. Our firefighters deal with the victims of the emergency who are having one of the worst days of their lives. This can result in the victims and the firefighters having very dramatic responses as they deal with the stress of the situation. To help deal with the hidden effects that these situations can have, the department has the services of a Chaplain on staff who is a trained counsellor in emergency situations.

Local member of the clergy, Rev. Dr. Jim Sitler serves as our Chaplain. Well versed in counselling victims of Critical Incident Strees, Rev. Sitler attends the scenes of emergencies and functions as a sector under the Incident Command System. These valuable services include:

1. Providing appropriate victim assistance to free the Incident Commander as he/she gives direction.

2. Providing comfort and counsel.

3. Referrals to appropriate community agencies for assistance.

4. Helps contact person(s), family member(s), etc.

5. The Chaplain will find out a victim’s church or religious preference and attempt to notify the pastor or church as requested.

6. Providing appropriate assistance to firefighters engaged in firefighting activities.

7. Watching for signs of physical or emotional stress.

8. Assisting in providing firefighting needs in rehab.

9. Advising the Incident Safety Officer whenever it is felt that a firefighter(s) is in need of being relieved from emergency operations.

It is important to know that the Chaplain does not replace the person's home church pastor, but seeks to support the concern of every church for its members who may be in professions with special risks or needs. Moreover, the Chaplain is for the advantage for every member of the department and every vicitm, regardless of his or her nationality, race, sex, or religion. The Chaplain also conducts any devotional ceremonies of the department as may be required.

Rev. Sitler is a member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains.