Chesterfield Fire Department
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Peer Support and Chaplain Program

Support and Outreach

Confidential support for firefighters, dispatchers and their families through the Department of Public Safety Peer Support Program and Chaplain K. Fleece.

8
Peer Support Team Members
Including the chaplain and clinical director
2024
Chaplain Fleece Joined the Department
Confidential
All Counseling and Peer Contact

About the Peer Support and Chaplain Program

The Chesterfield Township Department of Public Safety Peer Support Program provides confidential assistance to firefighters, dispatchers and civilian staff experiencing personal or professional challenges. It helps members handle the mental and emotional demands of the job, promotes well-being, and reduces the stigma around asking for help.

Employee health and wellness is one of the nine initiatives in the fire department's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which commits the department to a peer support team for members in times of personal crisis. The program offers resources, referrals to professional counseling, and ways of coping with the stresses that come with emergency response.

Chaplain K. Fleece joined the Department of Public Safety in 2024 and quickly embraced her role as a supporter of first responders. She provides confidential counseling for staff and their families, responds to critical incidents, and helps bridge the gap between first responders and the community.

Chaplain Kim Fleece with Director of Public Safety Brian Bassett and Fire Chief Craig Miller at her swearing-in
Chaplain Kim Fleece with Director of Public Safety Brian Bassett and Fire Chief Craig Miller at her swearing-in

Employee Wellness and Support

The chaplain is available to firefighters, dispatchers and civilian staff for confidential conversations about the pressures of the job, at either station or during informal check-ins on shift.

  • Confidential counseling for staff and their families
  • Support for stress, burnout, trauma exposure and cumulative PTSD
  • Marriage and family stress counseling related to shift work and emergency response
  • Guidance during career crises, disciplinary stress or retirement
  • Assistance for members experiencing substance use concerns
  • Informal check-ins during shifts

Critical Incident Response

Critical incidents are part of the job for first responders. The chaplain responds alongside the department when the worst happens and stays involved afterward.

  • Line-of-duty deaths and serious injuries
  • Fatal fires and child fatalities
  • Mass casualty incidents
  • Suicides
  • Major accidents
  • Supporting involved members and their families
  • Assisting with death notifications
  • Helping organize critical incident stress management (CISM)
  • Providing follow-up wellness checks

Family Support

The stresses of the fire service reach home. The chaplain works with spouses and families as well as members.

  • Family support meetings
  • Guidance for spouses dealing with 24-hour shifts and stress
  • Support after critical incidents involving a member
  • Counseling for retirement transition
  • Assistance during serious illness or death in families

Community Bridge

The chaplain also serves residents, helping connect the department with the community it protects.

  • Attending community events such as the Open House
  • Supporting victims and displaced families during and after fires
  • Assisting crews when delivering tragic news
  • Acting as a neutral, compassionate presence during tense situations

Department Chaplain

In Pictures

Peer Support and Chaplain Program Gallery

Chaplain Kim Fleece with an officer at a community eventChaplain Kim Fleece with Director Brian Bassett and officers in 2024Chaplain Kim Fleece with officers and a cadet at a 2025 community eventChaplain Kim Fleece speaking at a Chesterfield Township ceremonyChaplain Kim Fleece and Director Brian Bassett at a Chesterfield Township ceremony

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the Peer Support Program?

All Chesterfield Township Fire Department members, full-time and part-time, as well as dispatchers and civilian staff. Contact with the chaplain and the peer support team is confidential.

Does the chaplain help residents too?

Yes. Chaplain Fleece attends community events, supports victims and families during crises and assists crews when delivering tragic news.

Is the chaplain program religious?

The chaplain serves as a neutral, compassionate presence for members and residents of any background. Counseling is confidential and support is offered regardless of faith.

How do I reach the chaplain?

Members can contact Chaplain Fleece directly by email, through their officer, or by calling the department. Residents dealing with the aftermath of an emergency can ask any responding crew to request the chaplain.