By Chaplain Chris Messenger

A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from Drew Buckner, the head chaplain at Braveheart Ministry, and he asked if I wanted to go on a call with him concerning the death of a teenager in downtown Kalispell. Though internally not knowing what to expect, my desire to help others in crisis propelled me to be onsite and present for whatever assistance was needed.

After being briefed by a Kalispell Firefighter on the scene, Drew and I found ourselves sitting on the bed next to the parents as they struggled to take in the nightmarish reality that their child was gone. Amidst the grief of the parents and the respect of silence given by the first responders, I had a moment of realization that I in no way deserved to be a part of this scene. The scene was filled with the acute juxtaposition of both pain of loss and also the strength of purpose from the first responders. In the middle of this moment, Drew was notified that there was another call on the other side of town. A young man had chosen to take his own life. Drew left to rush across town to the next call.

In that moment I saw both Kalispell Fire, Kalispell Police, and the Flathead Sheriff’s Deputy standing present, solemnly & quietly, yet ever at the ready to do their jobs and do right by this family. They gave off an air of dignity and respect without visual or verbal signs of bravado. Rather, it was first responders doing their duty.

Around 10:30 pm that same day I was called out by dispatch to a structure fire in downtown Kalispell. As I pulled up to the house, I saw the same firefighters from 12 hours earlier. Their day included a death, a suicide, and now a structure fire (with no-one injured). Getting a small glimpse into a day in the life of a first responder in addition to the icy roads nearly knocked me over where I stood. They already had my respect for what they had to see and deal with that day. What is even more incredible is that their demeanor and efforts had not changed one ounce since I saw them 12 hours prior. They stood there with the same courage, dignity, and kindness that I had seen earlier in the day.

As I’ve taken time to process this day I feel grateful and in awe that as a law enforcement chaplain, I am able to witness and relay to others the deep resiliency of our men and women first responders. Though I am not one of them, this particular day will forever make me proud that I have the privilege to work alongside them.

Chris Messenger is presently a volunteer chaplain with Braveheart Chaplain Ministry and is raising funds to become a part-time paid staff member. The Braveheart Board and Executive Director Chaplain Drew Buckner are very excited about this development and are seeking to help in any way possible.

Find out more at ChaplainChrisMessenger.com