Tennessee
Federation of
Fire Chaplains
Supporting first responders & communities since 1978.
Our mission is to provide dedicated support to Tennessee's emergency service departments, personnel, and their families. We strive to offer critical incident crisis intervention, disaster response services, and vital training to ensure the well-being and quality care of our heroes.
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ABOUT US
The Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains is an incorporated, nonprofit organization founded in 1978 to serve all emergency service departments, personnel, and their families throughout the state of Tennessee. We strive to aid, comfort, and help in some of the most challenging times imaginable. We work in concert with the National Federation of Fire Chaplains and serve as liaisons for the families of heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.
TFFC is comprised of men and women from diverse faith backgrounds and actively serve as chaplains in either a First Response Agency or Fire Department within our state. Each volunteer is thoroughly vetted and must meet stringent requirements to serve our state with the excellence our citizens deserve.
We are a non-denominational, non-sectarian organization and serve out of a love for God and a compassion for our fellow man. We respect each person's beliefs and convictions, regardless of their background or identity. We adhere to a strict non-proselytization policy as we serve others, not ourselves.
We provide assistance in many areas; however, two key resources include Critical Incident Crisis Intervention and Management (both in group and individual settings), as well as Rest and Rehab trailers for both short and long-term incidents. All of these services are available to any department across the state.
To fulfill our promise, we set a high standard of training to provide the quality of care you can appreciate and count on when the need arises. Our certified chaplains are recognized by institutions, such as the Red Cross and the US Army Chaplains Corps, as some of the best-trained chaplains in service today.
Our unofficial motto is: "Rise to Serve." This call is at the very heart of every chaplain in our organization.
OUR SERVICES
Disaster Response
During disasters, our dedicated team provides swift support to first responders and assists communities in their immediate needs and recovery. We provide essential resources, such as REST trailers for mobile bathrooms and showers, ensuring comfort and hygiene. Our self-sufficient team is ready to deploy across Tennessee to aid rebuilding efforts and restore hope. Together, we remain committed to offering vital assistance in challenging times.
Diverse Chaplains
Our team comprises a diverse group of spiritual leaders, each bringing their unique insights and experiences. While we come from different backgrounds, we are united by a common and meaningful mission: to provide compassionate care and steadfast support to responders and community members facing the intense and complex emotions related to grief, loss, and tragedy. We are committed to serving as a source of comfort and guidance during these challenging times.
Line of Duty Death
Our team provides compassionate support to fire departments that have faced the tragic loss of a member in the line of duty. From the moment we receive a request for assistance, we work closely with the department and the family, offering support throughout the entire process, including the burial. We also extend care during state and national fallen firefighter memorials, ensuring that the families feel supported and honored during this difficult time. Whether they need a lot of help or just a little, we are here to stand by them, providing a comforting presence and guidance every step of the way.
National Memorial
We have the honor to support the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial every year in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Our team serves in a variety of capacities, including providing our REST trailers, staffing the on-site chapel, and the most incredible honor of escorting families who have been affected by a line-of-duty death to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial. We are honored to be the largest group of chaplains supporting the annual memorial service in various capacities.
Crisis Intervention
Our dedicated and trained team is committed to providing essential crisis intervention tools to first responders and community members following traumatic events, as well as natural or man-made disasters. We focus on equipping individuals with the skills and resources needed to effectively manage crises, fostering resilience and support in challenging times. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each situation, so that both responders and community members feel empowered and prepared.
Quality Care Training
To uphold our commitment to excellence, we maintain rigorous training standards to deliver high-quality care that you can trust and rely on when needed. Our Certified Chaplains are recognized by organizations such as the Red Cross and the US Army Chaplain Corps as among the best-trained Chaplains in service today. Our Standards
Last Team
The LAST (Local Assistance State Team) program aims to provide immediate and comprehensive support to fire departments and families affected by a line-of-duty death. The program is a collaborative effort between the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Department of Justice.
Our Tennessee LAST team is activated upon notification of a line-of-duty death, with the goal of deploying within six hours.
We offer a range of support, including:
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Assistance with funeral arrangements.
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Emotional support and counseling for families and department members.
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Guidance and support in navigating the process of filing for federal, state, and local benefits.
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Operational support to ensure continued service to the community.
