History of Braveheart
Early Days
In 2005, the Kalispell Fire Department began a chaplain program made up of four pastors who committed to volunteer to assist citizens in crisis situations. As one of the original chaplains, Drew Buckner found himself challenged and energized as he served both citizens and firefighters/paramedics.
In 2008, Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset asked the chaplains to assist their agency. Two years later the A.L.E.R.T. air ambulance of Kalispell Regional Medical Center requested that the chaplains be available to them.
The Transition
At this time Drew transitioned to a full-time chaplain role for emergency responders, their families, and citizens in crisis throughout Flathead County. To fund the position Drew began the 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
With the name Braveheart Chaplain Ministry, the IRS application was completed and a new Board gave guidance. Funding came from family, friends, churches and businesses.
Current Day
In 2011, Drew began providing chaplain services to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. This connection opened the door to assist agencies such as: 911 dispatchers, detention officers, U.S. Forest Service, Montana Highway Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, Glacier National Park, Flathead and North Valley Search and Rescue and many Flathead County fire departments.
As community and agency needs have grown, so have Braveheart's chaplain corps. We presently have a whole team of chaplains who provide comprehensive services throughout the Flathead County and beyond.