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This site will be the voice of both the USECC and our readers. We will feature an interactive site with articles, question and answer columns, pertinent announcements, a trading post and what we hope will be a resource and networking venue.

Our focus will be on chaplains that serve the First Responder community. We welcome feedback from chaplains, First Responders, clergy, civic leaders, and interested parties. We will look to facilitate the training and assistance to existing and interested chaplains. If you are a Pastor looking for ways to play a role in your area or community response efforts it is our goal to assist there as well.

I also encourage you to tell your friends who are ER or ICU nurses and doctors. Spouses and families are invited to send a story about their "hero." Whether it be a courageous act or just old fashion values of how your hero has influenced your life.

Looking back on the days when I started in the Chaplaincy, there was not a lot of information or assistance for those just starting out. As I talked with other chaplains I was told there was not that much they had access to either. In this age of cyber technology so much of that has changed. I'm not a big one for reinventing the wheel, so I would like to sew back to others in the form of a resource center.

Let's compile what we have and exchange it with each other and those with needs. Let me start with one small example. For those of us who have done official department funerals, you never forget the first couple of times you officiated with all fear and respect. If there had been an easy to use funeral manual I would not have had near the jitters. For those who did not inherit, but started programs in your department I know an SOP to copy or adopt would have saved countless headaches. No doubt there are multitude of resources we may have and are willing to share with each other.

USECC will act as a "Clergy Clearing House" of sorts for the exchange of information. Training will also be another issue to be addressed in the not to distant future. It will be in a variety of topics that will be relative to our work and your suggestions and expertise are welcome.

We want to assist chaplains in better serving our & their unique calling and constituents. Look for a chaplain to chaplain column that will address issues specific to Emergency Response. Local clergy are also encouraged to participate. We realize chaplains have different backgrounds and many serve as Pastors or with their local church or assembly. Networking with the local community is an essential part of what I feel is the entire resource we offer to those we serve.

It is impossible to put everything into one article so be patient, look for ways to assist and pray always as this great project unfolds.  Here's to serving for God's glory, until we meet,  I'll be . . . . .

Responding to the Call.....................Chaplain Steve Holden                               Nov. 2004