Helping Comfort The Courageous

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- In 2001 when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, the world caught a glimpse of how remarkable and courageous individuals like New York City first responders could be in helping those in need. People like EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement officers are normally the first ones to arrive at any emergency situation. They are among the bravest people you will ever meet and yet, at times, they too also need comfort and healing from the trauma they see every day. It was out of the crisis of 9/11 and the need to help our local community that the idea for a peer-to-peer counseling network began for Montgomery County.

From the ashes of 9/11 rose an idea to help comfort our heroes

When 9/11 unfolded, there was an urgent need for first responders to help New York City deal with rescue and recovery efforts. A firefighter and paramedic from Montgomery County went to New York City to offer his help. He knew that dealing with the effects of a tragedy was not only limited to those being saved, but also affected those doing the saving. In response, he helped start a local peer-to-peer chaplain network for his local community in Montgomery County. That network provided a way for first responders to meet with trained chaplains for counseling. Sometimes first responders deal with issues regarding their relationships and marriages due to the effects of their job. Chaplains can provide marriage counseling to those individuals as well as help them deal with other issues they face in their lives like suicidal thoughts, depression, anger, and domestic abuse. Emergency Chaplain Network is an invaluable resource for those looking for answers.

Continuing the mission of helping first responders

The initial peer-to-peer network that started after 9/11 discontinued operations last year after a wonderful 20-year run and in response, a new local group decided to step up and continue that great mission of helping first responders. The new company that was formed is called Emergency Chaplain Network. Their company motto reads 'They're Here For You. We're Here For Them.' and it best describes what their mission is. First responders are always there for us. This is one way we can be there for them. It is not only a kind gesture, but it is our duty to help take care of people that put their lives on the line to save our community every day.

How does Emergency Chaplain Network Work

Emergency Chaplain Network partners with local agencies on a flat per-person rate to offer their officers and members the ability to obtain counseling services. These services are offered 24/7. There is also a Facebook group page that first responders, as well as their families, can join for peer-to-peer communication. Each counselor is a trained chaplain with similar experience as the people they are counseling. A chaplain that is part of the Emergency Chaplain Network is required to have a previous background working as a first responder.

How you can help

You can learn more about Emergency Chaplain Network by going to their website at:

http://www.emergencychaplainnetwork.org

or their Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/emergencychaplainnet

If you know a first responder that could benefit from Emergency Chaplain Network, you can call them at 281-715-0024.

If you would like to donate to the Emergency Chaplain Network, you can contact them via email at info@emergencychaplainnetwork.org