This article is part of a series of the study of "25 Public Safety Chaplains." The study started with a quantitative survey of 185 public safety chaplains in the United States and Canada. From there, 25 chaplains ranked highest in compassion satisfaction were invited to a 1-hour interview to find out why they were doing so well psychologically.

Public safety chaplains are specifically trained in the emotional and spiritual care of first responders whose regular duties bring them into traumatic and emotionally draining experiences. This vocation's psychological and occupational demands require an exceptionally high degree of resilience and powerful intrinsic motivation. Although research has been explored considerably regarding first responders, the same is not true regarding psychological resilience in chaplains serving these roles. This study attempts to fill that gap by examining what enables public safety chaplains to sustain their work, particularly those who report high levels of compassion satisfaction. By investigating their motivations and the mechanisms by which they sustain psychological resilience, this research intends to inform best practices for supporting chaplains in service to first responders.

In this section, we asked, "Why would anyone want to be a public safety chaplain?" We learn what compels them to this vocation and what keeps them doing this high-stress ministry. We found that the interviews reveal that, despite the enormous challenges, there are deep-seated and overpowering reasons why one would want to become a public safety chaplain. Here's an analysis based on the insights gathered:

Findings and Discussion

1. A Sense of Calling

The most powerful emerging theme in these interviews was chaplaincy, not as a profession but as a calling. Through the consistent description of their work as a divinely ordained mission by the participants, a profoundly spiritual and existentially underpinned purpose comes forth. As such, this intrinsic motivation constitutes an elemental source of resilience, allowing the chaplain to persist despite what could become an onerous burden of emotional labor. One respondent articulated this sentiment succinctly: “This is my ministry; it’s what I’ve been called to do.” Such statements reflect a commitment that transcends occupational pressures and reinforces the chaplain’s ability to endure adversity.

2. Meaningful Impact as a Protective Factor

The satisfaction of leaving a mark that makes a difference in the lives of first responders was another critical sustaining factor. This feeling of satisfaction, more commonly known as "compassion satisfaction," plays the role of a psychological buffer against the negative states of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. The ability to comfort in crises and to witness the positive influences of their presence reinforces the commitment of chaplains to the role. For one chaplain, "Knowing that I am able to bring peace in somebody's worst moments makes every struggle worth it." The reinforcement of this intrinsic reward system maintains the personnel's long-term commitment and emotional resilience.

3. The Role of Relational Bonds in Sustaining Resilience

Strong interpersonal relationships with first responders emerged as a significant source of motivation and psychological fortitude. Many chaplains emphasized the deep, trusting bonds they have cultivated with firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and other chaplains. These relationships enhance the chaplain’s effectiveness and provide reciprocal emotional support. As one participant explained, “The bonds I’ve built with firefighters over the years are what keep me going.” The social support in these relationships fosters a sense of belonging and mitigates the isolating effects often associated with emotionally demanding roles.

4. Chaplains as Stabilizing Agents in Crisis

Another frequent emergent theme was an affirmation of the chaplain in their provision as a source of "calm presence" when situations had turned critical. Many interviewees spoke about the need to remain composed during high-stress situations to reassure first responders and those affected. This function is consistent with the "ministry of presence," whereby chaplains provide psychological stability through availability and non-anxious presence. One chaplain summed this up by saying, "Just being there, showing up, and letting them know I'm available is the most important part of what I do." Part of their effectiveness is this ability to project calm, which speaks to their psychological resilience because, in such moments, it speaks volumes about their sense of purpose and control.

This ministry of presence often brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This "presence" can be a strong ministry to those who believe, as well as to those who are non-believers. However, a good chaplain understands that the ministry of presence is only the beginning. Sometimes, it's all you need, but sometimes, the chaplain needs to do more.

5. Integration of Faith and Professional Practice

The role for many chaplains is an active expression of faith in that it is a means to enact "faith in action" through service for others in times of distress. This congruence of personal beliefs with professional roles promotes resilience by providing an internal schema for making sense. Servant leadership was frequently referred to where the chaplains described their work as an act of humility and giving of the self. As one chaplain noted, “Serving in this role is not just about helping others—it’s about living out my faith in a way that has real impact.” This congruence between faith and practice reinforces psychological stability and emotional endurance.

6. Growth Through Adversity

Chaplains frequently reported that their experiences in crisis intervention had led to significant personal and spiritual growth. Rather than viewing challenges as purely stress-inducing, they interpreted them as opportunities for deepening their faith and professional expertise. This reflects the post-traumatic growth theory that those who experience adversity constructively commonly have significant personal growth. One chaplain put it like this: "Every time I walk through a crisis with someone, I learn something about myself, my faith, and God's grace." Such thinking makes them resilient and perpetuates service for a lifetime.

7. Taking Care of First Responders

Public safety chaplains realize the toll public safety work takes on first responders and a calling to support those who serve others. "They give so much of themselves to the community. Being there for them when they're struggling is one of the most rewarding parts of this work," shared one chaplain. As chaplains work within their agencies, they build strong relationships with other first responders who sacrifice for each other.

First responders experience extreme pressures and few lines of emotional support. The chaplains view it as a privilege to be trusted with their struggles, serving those who serve others.

8. Leaving a Legacy

And finally, for many chaplains, their impact as a chaplain extends far beyond individual moments. One chaplain said, “Knowing that I've helped someone through their worst day and that it made a difference in their life, that's something that will outlast me." Again, the chaplains do not know the future or what eternal impact they may have on someone. They simply just keep serving and loving people, expecting that God is doing something in people's hearts and lives. As one chaplain summarized, "The impact of what we do isn't always immediate, but years from now, someone will remember that in their darkest moment, a chaplain was there. That's the legacy we leave."

Conclusion

The study identifies intrinsic motivation, faith, social support, and meaning-making as constitutive in the survival of public safety chaplains within the demands of the vocation. A deep sense of calling, combined with service satisfaction and good relational connections, acts as a deterrent against burnout and compassion fatigue. Also, calmness on the part of the chaplains and integration of faith into professional practice enhance resilience. The findings emphasize the need for institutional and peer support for chaplains in ensuring access to resources that reinforce psychological well-being. By recognizing and addressing the motivations and special psychological needs of public safety chaplains, organizations can support the sustainability and effectiveness of chaplaincy programs, benefiting chaplains and the first responders they serve.