Editor's note: Find Firehouse.com's complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic here.
As they tirelessly work the front lines of the global health crisis caused by COVID-19, San Diego firefighters are turning to a local church's chaplains to help them handle an already-stressful job that has become even more so as the public continues to lean on first responders during the pandemic.
The Rev. Mickey Stonier heads a group of 120 chaplains through Rock Church, KGTV-TV reports. They're focus is to provide a sympathetic ear for any city firefighters who contact them, Stonier says.
"These are trained individuals in crisis intervention," he told the TV station. "They're available to listen to people and provide guidance on how to care for themselves, how to care for others and, then help people with their next steps."
The scope and magnitude of the current outbreak also is uncharted territory for the chaplains on Stonier's team, as well as the first responders. And the uncertainty that comes with that can take a mental toll on even veteran firefighters and paramedics in the department, Fire Chief Colin Stowell said.
"This is a stressful time, certainly, for our first responders," Fire Chief Colin Stowell told KGTV. "The things they're exposed to, they're concerned for their own health. But they've got another stress, and that is the health and safety of their family members as well.
Stonier said that the best thing he and the other chaplains can offer firefighters during the pandemic is hope.
"People are fearful and sometimes a little anxious. It's great to have a calming presence to support people at times like this," he told the TV station.
He added: "Studies are clear that when people go through a horrific crisis, it takes them to the core of their core values, their beliefs. That's why chaplains are very significant."
