International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
By: Steve Newton CCISM
Emergency Service’s Volunteer Chaplain
ORIGIN:
On April 13th 2017 at 9:30 AM, a meeting was held at the Henderson County Emergency Services office. In attendance were Rocky Hyder, Emergency Services Director; Jimmy Brissie, Emergency Management and Rescue Coordinator; Mike Barnett, EMS Manager; and myself. This initial meeting was the beginning of Volunteer Chaplaincy Program for Henderson County Emergency Services. The Volunteer Chaplaincy Program began in conjunction with the Henderson County EMS Peer Support program. Little did any of us realize how soon the need for this would be thrust upon us, or how far reaching it would become? Several more meetings ensued and a Volunteer Chaplaincy Program was developed and received approval in January 2018. Since that time two much appreciated, and well trained chaplains Melissa Pruitt, and Michael Lombardo were added bringing our Chaplaincy Team to three. Our vision is to gradually add additional chaplains in order to provide chaplaincy support at emergency scene calls to assist EMS staff and patient’s family members with the spiritual and emotional issues ever present at bad EMS calls.
TIMING:
In 2017, Henderson County was in the process of planning, funding, and building a new state of the art and innovative facility (The Thomas H. Thompson Emergency Services Center) which opened November 2nd, 2018. This new facility houses Henderson County’s Emergency Management, Rescue Squad, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Marshal’s offices.
In early May and again in December 2017 the unthinkable happened, two of our Paramedics committed suicide. The EMS system was jolted and stunned. Due to these tragic events, Henderson County Administrators, Emergency Services Management team, and Peers were determined to surround our First Responders with three levels of support / blankets of protection.
RESULTS:
No more suicides, County employees are now receiving the spiritual, mental health, and Peer Support they need, and deserve. The EMS Peer Support Team, Chaplaincy Team, and Behavioral Wellness professionals also work in conjunction with the Western North Carolina Peer Support Team and have responded to innumerable Crisis and Traumatic Events in our county, region, and state. Henderson County has established a model program that has won state and national awards. We are truly blessed to be able “to serve those who serve others” regardless of their discipline or location. We truly are our brother’s keeper.
Our community cannot adequately express the great admiration and gratitude we have for our “HOME TOWN HERO’S”.
Steve Newton
Henderson County EMS and
Advent Health Volunteer BCC Chaplain
828-919-0550
GODLY WISDOM:
“The wisdom from above is: first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy, and good fruits, without favoritism, and hypocrisy.”
Copyright © 2025 International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)3 Non Profit