The Portsmouth Fire Department recognizes the importance of providing for the full range of fire department personnel needs through the establishment of a Department Chaplain Program.

The Chaplain is recommended by the Fire Chief and appointed by the Fire Commission to function within the department. He assists with providing whatever spiritual guidance and emotional support necessary to members of the Department, surrounding fire departments and victims of fires or other crisis.

Additionally, the Chaplain is available to department personnel and their families for any spiritual need that may arise outside the department.

Specific Duties of the Department Chaplain include:

• Firefighter assistance
• Providing specific assistance to firefighters engaged in firefighting activities such as watching for signs of physical or emotional stress
• Assisting with firefighter needs such as water, food, etc.
• Insuring firefighters' needs are met in the areas of on-the-job injuries, critical incident stress, etc.
• Providing victim assistance
• Comforting and counseling victims
• Referring department personnel and victims to community agencies, contacting persons or family members, insurance agents, etc.

If you would like to contact the Fire Department Chaplain please click here to email Father Angelo.