Serving those who serve.

WHAT IS A FIRST RESPONDER CHAPLAIN?

A First Responder Chaplain is a trained clergy member or spiritual support provider who offers emotional, spiritual, and/or practical crisis support to first responders (such as. police officers, firefighters, paramedics, 911 dispatchers and emergency personnel) and the communities they serve.

OVERVIEW & MISSION

First Responder Chaplain Association is committed to caring for first responders who work tirelessly to serve our communities. Our mission emphasizes supporting first responders, their families, and even the civilians affected by critical incidents. Our organization also focuses on providing mutual support for chaplains as they fulfill their roles.

Firefighters and a police officer stand next to a fire truck at night on a city street, with buildings in the background.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

FRCA is structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and serves multiple first responder agencies within Douglas County, Kansas. The association meets monthly for continuing education, mutual encouragement among its members.

A group of police officers and officials standing in a socially distanced line outside a modern glass building during a formal event.

Services we provide

  • Assist with death notifications

  • On-scene first responder support

  • Provide personal and family emergency counseling

  • Provide emotional care for civilians

  • Provide prayer support for individuals or departments

  • Provide a listening ear

  • We are available 24/7, and rotate the on-call duty weekly

  • 911 dispatch or officer activation

Close-up of a Kansas Police, Fire, and Law Enforcement badge on a black leather background.

FRCA Remembering National Police Week

View our videos

Introduction to the First Responder Chaplain Association
Caring for First Responders - Gina's Story

2025 Chaplain Activity Report

Agencies Served

Services Provided

We were on call 24 hours a day seven days per week to respond to the needs of first responders.

We provided 1,476 hours of interaction with 5,155 First responders and family members.

We provided comfort for 706 citizens impacted by emergencies

We Provided 96 training and public education activities.

Made 186 agency visits to build and maintain trust with our partner agencies by delivering snacks and visiting with first responders.

We supported 10 memorials/funerals, helping to plan, conduct, or attend.

Made 23 official visits for award ceremonies, graduations, retirements, etc.

we provided 12 post-incident debriefing/diffusing sessions for first responders

Three uniformed police officers and one man in a suit standing in a cemetery, paying tribute at a grave adorned with flowers and wreaths.
Three men in firefighter uniforms standing behind a large container filled with assorted snacks, including bags of chips and candy, in an indoor setting with framed pictures and signage in the background.
A man in a suit and glasses standing at a podium giving a speech during a police ceremony, with police officers seated in the background and police emblems on banners and tables.
A group of firefighters in uniform standing behind a table with red and yellow firefighter helmets displayed on it. The backdrop features logos of the Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical department.
Three men smiling and holding a large clear container filled with assorted snack bags, standing against a gray cinder block wall.
People sorting holiday gift bags and candy in a room with tables covered in assorted snacks and treats.