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Lee's Summit, MO —
When one thinks of chaplains, one conjures up images of priests, rabbis, ministers, et al in military uniforms. Yet, few major cities – with their police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians – are without them, and they are indispensable.
The city of Independence has seven chaplains of all faiths on call 24/7. In Blue Springs, two of the busiest are the Rev. Dr. Ed Golden and the Rev. Rick Johnson. They are volunteers who love their work of providing calming voices and soothing hands.
Golden, a 68-year-old Navy veteran, has a resume of a corporate CEO in that he has headed or is now leading several non-profit organizations. The ordained Unity minister has been a chaplain since 1994 and is currently chaplain for the Inter-City Fire Protection District, the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District as well as the Blue Springs police.
His colleague, 60-year-old minister Rick Johnson with the Harvest Baptist Church, has logged 12 years of service with the Blue Springs’ first responders.
Their pagers are with them at all times, knowing that they may be called out for various situations, even death.
“When there is loss of life, a surviving family or friends mostly don’t know what steps to take next. We not only offer prayers and consolation, but we counsel them in what is protocol,” Johnson said.
Golden adds that, “Some of the most distressing cases we face are seeing children who have lost their lives by way of accidents or criminal action.”
Johnson notes that they have seen many cases of accidental gun discharges resulting in death, along with suicides.
“The public doesn’t realize that our first responders turn to us for help if they are in traumatized by a shooting, especially if a child is involved or if there is a death in their own family.”
Their needs are not always depressing for they often provide service for weddings, ceremonial events and baptisms.
When asked how they often remain so stoic in the face of calamity, sadness and death, Golden replied, “It is a gift. I was called to serve, and it is comforting to know we help people who need it the most.”
Johnson added, “We and the Blue Springs police and fire department are a close-knit family, and we proudly await their call.”
I give you President John Adams’ toast: Independence forever.
Jerry Plantz lives in Lee’s Summit. His website is at www.Jerryplantz.com. Reach him at jerryplantz@msn.com.
When one thinks of chaplains, one conjures up images of priests, rabbis, ministers, et al in military uniforms. Yet, few major cities – with their police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians – are without them, and they are indispensable.
The city of Independence has seven chaplains of all faiths on call 24/7. In Blue Springs, two of the busiest are the Rev. Dr. Ed Golden and the Rev. Rick Johnson. They are volunteers who love their work of providing calming voices and soothing hands.
Golden, a 68-year-old Navy veteran, has a resume of a corporate CEO in that he has headed or is now leading several non-profit organizations. The ordained Unity minister has been a chaplain since 1994 and is currently chaplain for the Inter-City Fire Protection District, the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District as well as the Blue Springs police.
His colleague, 60-year-old minister Rick Johnson with the Harvest Baptist Church, has logged 12 years of service with the Blue Springs’ first responders.
Their pagers are with them at all times, knowing that they may be called out for various situations, even death.
“When there is loss of life, a surviving family or friends mostly don’t know what steps to take next. We not only offer prayers and consolation, but we counsel them in what is protocol,” Johnson said.
Golden adds that, “Some of the most distressing cases we face are seeing children who have lost their lives by way of accidents or criminal action.”
Johnson notes that they have seen many cases of accidental gun discharges resulting in death, along with suicides.
“The public doesn’t realize that our first responders turn to us for help if they are in traumatized by a shooting, especially if a child is involved or if there is a death in their own family.”
Their needs are not always depressing for they often provide service for weddings, ceremonial events and baptisms.
When asked how they often remain so stoic in the face of calamity, sadness and death, Golden replied, “It is a gift. I was called to serve, and it is comforting to know we help people who need it the most.”
Johnson added, “We and the Blue Springs police and fire department are a close-knit family, and we proudly await their call.”
I give you President John Adams’ toast: Independence forever.
Jerry Plantz lives in Lee’s Summit. His website is at www.Jerryplantz.com. Reach him at jerryplantz@msn.com.
