Faith in the Firehouse

As Chief Officers, we dedicate significant time to mentoring and connecting with our teams, whether in the office or out in the apparatus bay. ?Awhile back a firefighter came into my office to discuss an off-duty experience, and he noticed the Bible on my shelf. He asked, “As a fellow Christian, should I bring my faith to work?” This sparked a thoughtful conversation that led to an office wide conversation on what it means to live our faith on the job.

?I've served in the fire service for over 30 years, and I’ve been a Christian even longer. Admittedly, I’ve made mistakes as a Chief and as a Christian, but my faith remains a guiding part of who I am. ?For most of my career, I’ve kept a Bible on or near my desk or locker, and I start each day alone in the apparatus bay in quiet prayer for my departments safety before the station comes alive. ??As a Christian when we arrive to the station so does our faith. ?How that faith plays out in the station is not about showing off or wearing it like a badge and much more about how we carry ourselves, how we interact and who we are.?

?The Bible makes no distinction between our spiritual lives and our work. Work is part of God’s original design, not a secondary concern. Adam and Eve weren’t placed in Eden merely to enjoy it; they were given the task to “work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). In this sense, our work is an extension of our purpose, including the role we play in supporting and protecting others.

?The fire station is a public and often government building, so faith in the workplace has to be approached with respect. ???It's not about flaunting our faith or imposing it on others; rather, it’s the core of who we are and naturally reflected in our interactions. ??I remember some pushback from the union when I invited our chaplain to engage with the department more often—even something as simple as bringing ice cream to the crew. ?But it wasn’t about preaching; it was about making sure our team’s mental and emotional well-being was supported and building a connection.? ?

Scripture illustrates how God empowered leaders to govern wisely for the good of society. In the Old Testament, patriarchs, priests, judges, and kings all served under God’s guidance, ensuring fairness, rewarding righteousness, and confronting wrongdoing. Yahweh worked through these leaders to create order and protect the community.

In the end, bringing faith into the fire service isn’t about show; it’s about grounding ourselves in values that align with both our professional and spiritual missions. For over three decades, I’ve tried to let my faith influence my actions in the station—keeping my Bible nearby and starting each day with quiet prayer. These practices reflect my commitment to serving both my team and my community with integrity, empathy, and resilience. Leadership in the fire service goes beyond what we say; it’s seen in how we act, how we listen, and how we carry ourselves through every situation. As Scripture urges us to be steadfast in our duties, we honor our faith by being present, purposeful, and supportive of the people we are entrusted to lead.