Chaplain's Chapel


Father Dennis Ruda, F.D. Chaplain As Chaplain of the Johnson City, New York, Fire Department. It is my pleasure to support and serve the men in the fire service of our Village.

Duties of a fire chaplain today is the one of wearing many hats. To be supportive of the department's personnel is the highest priority, then to help those affected at a fire scene.

A Chaplain today has to be a pillar of strength, compassion and concern, but it is not all spiritual. Helping with a length of hose or carrying air bottles sometimes becomes a part of the job, or leaving a warm bed on a cold winter's night because a firefighter has been injured and taken to the hospital comes with the territory.

Again, it is my privilege to offer these few words as the Chaplain of the Johnson City, New York, Fire Department. And I pray that God's divine providence watch over all in fire protection.

Father Dennis Ruda
Chaplain 26


Almighty God, Protector of all Mankind, Your Strength, Power, and Wisdom are a beacon of light to all men and women:
Give special guidance to Firefighters so that they may be protected from harm while performing their duty:
Help them with your loving care while they work to save lives and property of all people young and old:
Give them the courage, the alertness to protect their neighbors and all others whom they are pledged to aid when involved in fire or accident.
Amen


FIREMAN'S PRAYER

When I am called to duty, God,
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save some life
Whatever be its age,
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is to late,
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate,
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
To quickly and effieciently put the fire out,
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property,
And if according to fate - I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
Amen


Back