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Service as a Chaplain with Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement; or with Fire and Rescue Agencies are discussed on this page. There exists no standardized requirements for Chaplains serving in this venue - such determination is normally set by the hiring agency. Additionally, many Chaplains in the world of the "first responder" are volunteers. If endorsement is required, whether vocational or volunteer, CANA Chaplains will recieve that endorsement through this Deanery.

 

General Requirements to serve as
a First Responder Chaplain...

 

  1. Ordained and/or licensed to minister with CANA.

  2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  3. A graduate degree to include a minimum of 72 semester hours (or equivalent) from a qualifying (accredited) institution. (M.Div, MTS, M.Theo, etc.)
  4. Not less than 36 hours must be in theological/ministry and related studies.

Chaplains supporting “first responder” professions also require...

CERTIFICATION : A certified Law Enforcement/Fire Chaplain course should be completed prior to receiving endorsement; or after endorsement if in a prescribed postulancy period with the supported agency. These courses are offered by various professional organizations across the US ; and many Law Enforcement and Fire Chaplain Groups have developed acceptable internal programs. One such example would be the benchmarked program of the Shelby County Sheriff's Department in Alabama.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS : As a means of ensuring continuing education, first responder Chaplains are required to complete CEUs. The primary approved programs are those offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Management Foundation (ICISMF), the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC); and/or, with the International Police and Fire Chaplains Association (IPFCA). Alternative courses must be approved in advance with Bishop Jones. A minimum of three certification courses over a recurring three year calendar year period is prescribed. (i.e. Three courses taken in one year satisfy the three year requirement.) Validation of training is to be submitted to the Deanery for the Chaplaincy within 30 days of course completion.

PARTICIPATION IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS : While not required, participation in Professional Organizations related to this Chaplaincy field is HIGHLY encouraged.