Members of the Gloucester City Fire Department had the pleasure of having Monsignor William Hodge of Saint Mary’s Church in Gloucester City us for dinner and dessert last week. We asked Monsignor Hodge if he would like to become the Chaplain for the GCFD.
He graciously accepted and also brought cross charms for each member. The duty crew presented Monsignor with his very own fire helmet, the GCPD officers said.
A fire chaplain’s job is not an easy one. Their main purpose is to help firefighters and fire department members in the event of an injured or killed firefighter.
They are also available to personnel for grief counseling. They lend an ear for those who need to talk about something that is bothering them, such as physical or emotional stress.
A fire chaplain’s goal is to aid, comfort and help firefighters and their families.
“The last GCPD Fire Chaplain we had many years ago was Father Brian O’Neill,” the officers said. “This was well over due, and we cannot think of anyone better than Monsignor Hodge to fill the position of Fire Chaplain. Thank you Monsignor.”
