📋 The FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) for Chaplains

👋 Welcome & Introduction

"Welcome back! Today, we're going to talk about the FEMA Incident Command System — the ICS — for chaplains. Now, I would imagine when I signed up for this class, I wouldn't think I'd have to learn anything about FEMA!"

This session focuses on how chaplains serve within the FEMA Incident Command System, particularly in the United States. If you're located outside the U.S., there may be different but comparable systems in your country. The U.S. ICS model will serve as our main example, and students are encouraged to research their local emergency management protocols.

🚨 What Is the Incident Command System (ICS)?

The ICS is the national standard for managing emergencies in the United States.

🧑‍🚒 Every fire and EMS professional operates under ICS during emergency response.
🧑‍⚕️ Chaplains must know where they fit in this structure to serve effectively and responsibly.

Carrie explains:

"It's a system that allows people to function together. When multiple people and agencies respond to a critical incident—maybe even from different companies or jurisdictions—you need a structure to avoid chaos. ICS ensures there's a clear chain of command."

🧯 Real-Life Example: House Fire Response

• The first engine to arrive typically has a commander (e.g., lieutenant, captain, or chief) sitting in the passenger seat.

• That officer is in charge until someone with greater authority arrives (e.g., a battalion chief).

• The new senior officer assumes command, and all others fall under the new command structure.

• This ensures clarity about who gives orders and who takes them.

📚 FEMA ICS Courses

Every firefighter and EMT takes several ICS courses during their basic training:

• ICS-100

• ICS-200

• ICS-700

• ICS-800

These courses explain how critical incidents are managed, who is in charge, and the proper chain of command.

🧎‍♂️ Chaplain’s Role Within ICS

"Part of the role of the chaplain is to figure out your place in this structure:

• Who gives you orders?

• Who authorizes your presence at a scene?

• If you're serving as both firefighter and chaplain, when and how do you switch roles?"

This requires humility, discernment, and understanding of the incident's scope and evolving needs.

🔄 ICS Modular System

ICS is modular, meaning it can expand or contract based on the size and scope of the incident.

Carrie shares:

"If it's just a small house fire, it might stay simple. But for a large-scale event — like multiple buildings burning in a city — the ICS system grows to accommodate:

• Public relations

• Finance and expenses

• Relief and rotation of staff

• Logistics and operations
  Everyone knows where they fit."

📎 Chaplains and the Chain of Command

"Everyone reports to one supervisor. In a major incident, chaplains may not have their own ICS branch, but we still serve our units and must stay within the system."

Even if chaplains aren’t formally listed on the ICS chart, understanding it is essential for credibility, coordination, and appropriate service.

🧎‍♂️ Chaplains in the ICS: Role, Respect, and Responsibility

"We're serving our units... and there may be multiple chaplains called, depending on the situation."

During large-scale incidents like 9/11, many chaplains responded from various places. In some cases, like volunteering at a hospital, chaplains were welcomed even without formal deployment. However, this raises a key point:

🚫 When Well-Meaning Pastors Show Up Uninvited

Sometimes, pastors arrive on the scene out of good intentions — but without training or proper integration into the ICS, they can become a liability rather than a help.

"They're one more person the incident commander has to account for."

Key principle: Chaplains should not self-deploy. Instead, they should:

• Be officially requested or ordered through proper channels.

• Report to the Incident Commander upon arrival.

• Operate independently from emergency vehicles (i.e., no lights or sirens).

• Step in with humility, readiness, and purpose.

📊 ICS Organizational Chart (Simplified)

🔷 Incident Commander

The person with ultimate authority and responsibility on scene.

🔷 Command Staff

• Public Information Officer: Speaks to the press.

• Safety Officer: Ensures all safety protocols are followed.

• Liaison Officer: Coordinates with other agencies.

🔷 General Staff

• Operations

• Planning

• Logistics

• Finance & Administration

🟨 Where Chaplains Serve:

• Under Command Staff as Liaison Advisors

• Or under Logistics to support wellness functions

"Chaplains are part of the command staff, but we don't have authority — we serve in an advisory role under the incident commander."

🏛️ Chaplain Function in Emergencies & Planned Events

The ICS model applies to both emergency incidents and planned events (e.g., citywide parades, conventions, fireworks displays).

Every function has a structure:

• Finance: Who pays for what?

• Safety: Are personnel protected and protocols followed?

• Logistics: Is there a relief plan for responders?

As the event grows, so does the ICS structure, maintaining a single point of accountability through the Incident Commander.

🧠 Chaplain Authority & Influence

"Chaplains do not order anyone around. We serve at the pleasure and will of those in charge."

While chaplains may hold credibility and respect, they have no line authority. Instead, they:

• Advise the Incident Commander or command staff.

• Support responders, families, and community members.

• Operate within the military-derived ICS framework.

This mirrors the role of military chaplains, who serve with — but not over — commanders.

💬 Chaplain Functions Within ICS

Support Functions:

• Emotional, spiritual, and family care

• Advisory input to command staff on wellness

Operational Roles:

• Family notifications

• Crisis counseling

• Memorial services

⛓️ Always within the chain of command — never independently.

"Even if you see a need, it must fit within the plan of the Incident Commander."

In practice, chaplains may be given broad latitude because commanders are managing the crisis and appreciate someone focusing on families or stressed responders.

Example: A chaplain might notice a firefighter is overwhelmed and recommend to the commander they take a break.

Sometimes, support vehicles like a canteen truck may be deployed for comfort care (coffee, snacks, rest).

📌 Key ICS Principles for Chaplains

• Presence, not control: Be available, not directive.

• Respect the chain of command: Never bypass ICS structure.

• Confidentiality and trust: Protect privacy of responders and families.

• Cultural competence: Serve responders of all faiths — or none.

• Advisability & Availability: Be ready for deployment in all conditions.

"Most chaplains are part-time or volunteer, so teamwork matters. At least one chaplain should be available at all times per department."

This highlights the need for more trained chaplains — like those taking this course!

🎓 Final Reflections

"This class is one of the most requested!"
"When this worked out, I just said, 'Thank You, Lord.'"

🙏 Gratitude and calling blend here — as this training equips chaplains to serve with competence, humility, and heart.

📖 Chaplains During the Incident: Ministry in the Midst of Crisis

"Provide calm presence during chaos, responder support… prayer, listening ear, family assistance..."

Chaplains serve during incidents in three overlapping domains:

🚒 On-Scene Presence

• Offering calm amid chaos

• Prayer and stress relief (when invited)

• Emotional and spiritual support

• Listening with care

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Support

• Being present at staging areas, hospitals, or homes

• Supporting loved ones during times of uncertainty

• Acting as compassionate connectors between responders and families

🕯️ Community Role

• Leading vigils and memorials

• Assisting in critical incident debriefings

• Helping communities process grief and trauma

All of this integrates with and plugs into the ICS system — reinforcing that chaplains serve within, not outside, the established order.

🧰 Repeatable and Relational — Not Academic Theology

"We're not giving you a full theological education… we're talking about things that are repeatable, things you can learn, and plugging them into systems."

This training emphasizes:

• Practical ministry tools

• Relational presence over academic credentials

• Aligning with systems like ICS already in place

🔥 In Maryland, the GEAR UP Program provides a short introduction (15–20 hours) to fire/EMS services. Topics include:

• General EMS/fire operations

• Non-discrimination policies

• Self-care and safety

• County-level fire company protocols

Chaplains benefit by:

• Taking orientation programs like GEAR UP

• Completing courses like this one

• Pursuing ongoing training, such as free FEMA modules

🧬 Ministry Sciences Perspective

"Responders are spiritual and physical beings... they need holistic care."

From the lens of Ministry Sciences, chaplains observe:

👁️ Observation

• Every responder is created in the Image of God

• They are whole persons — spiritual and physical

💔 Fallen Reality

• Trauma, fear, and chaos expose human limits

• Chaplains meet people at their point of brokenness

✝️ Means of Grace

• Chaplains offer prayer, Scripture, compassion, and presence

• Always respecting ICS guardrails, which model integrity and credibility

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
“Weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15

In crisis moments, chaplains mirror Christ's presence.

🧭 Final Reflections: Order Amid Chaos

"ICS ensures order in chaos… Chaplains bring peace, presence, and God's comfort to the front lines."

This system has evolved from real crisis and confusion, and it's now part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) — a coordinated federal-level structure.

The ICS system answers the question:
How do we function in chaos?

Even if someone in the system abuses authority or breaks protocol, there are likely accountability procedures in place to ensure integrity and restoration of order.

📚 Dive Deeper: FEMA Training and Your Next Steps

"You’ve just put your toe in the water… you can go deeper with FEMA’s free online modules."

To continue your chaplaincy development:

1. Register for a FEMA Student ID at fema.gov

2. Access free training modules, including:

   • ICS-specific courses

   • Religious diversity and pluralism

   • Emergency management for volunteers

🔥 Pro Tip: If you join a fire or EMS company, these FEMA courses are often required — and vital for onboarding.

🚪 A Calling Worth Following Through

"When you onboard into your calling... FEMA helps you understand your role and how to walk in it."

Though initially complex, this system becomes second nature as you:

• Observe seasoned chaplains

• Immerse yourself in fire/EMS culture

• Practice within the chain of command

With time, you’ll discover a rhythm of order, service, and ministry that reflects God's heart in moments of chaos.