IAFRC shieldIAFRCInternational Association of First Responder Chaplains
Faith on the front line

Walking with first responders — in crisis, in service, in life.

The International Association of First Responder Chaplains trains, equips, and supports chaplains serving police, fire, EMS, and hospital communities around the world.

Chaplains
2,400+
Departments
600+
States
38
Two firefighters working together on scene
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Our Mission

A calling to care

We exist to strengthen the chaplains who stand beside police officers at the scene, firefighters returning from a difficult call, paramedics after a shift no one should carry alone, and families in the hospital’s most fragile hours — through training, counseling, peer support, and faithful presence.

Where to begin

Get oriented in three clicks

News & Events

What’s coming up

Oct 14–17, 2026

IAFRC Annual Conference

Keynote sessions, regional breakouts, and credential renewals.

Sep 9, 2026

Critical Incident Stress Management Refresher

Updated protocols and peer support best practices.

Aug 22–24, 2026

Basic Chaplaincy Certification (Cohort 14)

Three-day intensive for new chaplains across all disciplines.

Hands clasped together in quiet support
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A chaplain’s story

“After the call that broke us, our chaplain didn’t bring a sermon. He brought coffee and the willingness to sit in the silence. That’s when our department learned what a chaplain actually is.”

— Battalion Chief, Midwest U.S. Fire Department
Read more stories →
Partner Spotlight

Standing with us

Ministries, agencies, and corporate partners who help equip chaplains in the field.

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Help us put a trained chaplain on every shift.

Your gift funds scholarships for new chaplains, crisis-response deployment, and free resources for under-resourced departments.