Former firefighter back on watch as chaplain to Fire & Rescue Service

A former fireman is back on duty in a new role following the Bishop of Chelmford’s visit to the Essex Fire & Rescue Service headquarters at Hutton to officially launch their chaplaincy service.

The chaplaincy is offered to the service by the Essex Churches Council for Industry and Commerce on a one-day-a-week basis. The current chaplain is the Revd Tim Ball who was a firefighter until 1994.

Tim, who was ordained in 1996 and is Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Chelmsford, will offer pastoral and spiritual care and well being for fire service employees and their families. While the Chaplaincy has underlying values of the Christian faith, it is inclusive of all personnel regardless of religion, race, gender or sexual orientation.

Firefighters routinely confront issues of life and death and this can mean they are touched at the deepest level. The chaplain will be a person who can listen in complete confidence and total impartiality. As well as the welfare elements of the role, Tim will conduct services for weddings, christenings or funerals and will be available for ceremonial events.

The scheme is part of the Service's efforts to improve welfare and occupational health initiatives for its workforce.

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