Join host Christopher Baker and guest Fire Chaplain Jim Cook as they discuss mental health and suicide prevention in the fire service. This episode covers the work of the California Fire Chaplain Association, the Federation of Fire Chaplains, and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in such a demanding profession.
As we enter the holiday season, let's remember to take care of one another—so our brothers and sisters can go home and take care of their families.
Biography:
Chaplain Jim Cook retired from CDF/Cal Fire and the Riverside County Fire Department as a Battalion Chief after 36 years of service. He has been involved in the Volunteer Reserve Chaplain program in Riverside County since 1997 and has helped develop an effective chaplaincy for his department. Their chaplains have supported mutual aid needs for San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and statewide. Chaplain Cook has been a member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains since 2003 and is currently serving on the FFC Board as the past President. He is a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and President of the California Fire Chaplain Association. He holds an A.A. degree in Biblical and Theological Studies and serves as the Pastor at Cabazon Fellowship, in Cabazon, California.
Jim is married to Roxie, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage this year. Together, they have six children and six grandchildren. Roxie has been an integral supporter of Jim's chaplain ministry and the FFC community.
Email:
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988
Healing Our Own
Brian's Story
4 firefighters died by suicide in CA in last 90 days according to President of state association, shares personal plea to members - ABC30 Fresno
Chaplain Resources
California Fire Chaplain Association
Federation of Fire Chaplains - Home
Dr. Naomi Paget
Dr. Naomi Paget, BCC is an FBI Crisis Interventionist and Chaplain (Ret.), and the Chair for the National VOAD Emotional & Spiritual Care Committee. Her work in critical events and disasters has officially spanned 59 years with the SBC, Red Cross, FBI, BGR, ICISF, National VOAD, Samaritan's Purse and other humanitarian relief agencies. Instructor, curriculum writer, awarded Fellowship in American Association of Experts in Traumatic Stress, awarded Fellowship in the National Academy of Crisis Management, she is a published author and ICISF Approved Instructor & Faculty and K-LOVE CRC Instructor & Faculty for many crisis and trauma courses, consulting for several national and international organizations. Her disaster and crisis recognition include the Joel Phillips SBC DR, Robert Dixon SBC DR, Lifetime Achievement Award from ICISF and Oklahoma Baptists, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary's President's Award, and Distinguished Alumni from Gateway Seminary. She is an adjunct professor for Masters and Doctoral students at Gate Seminary, Denver Seminary, and Crown College.
Paget, BCC Naomi - ICISF
