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By Todd Hollritt
Father John Piccione, O.F.M. He is a Pastor by day at Saint Bonfentures Church in Paterson, New Jersey. And he also serves as Chaplin with two local Fire Departments. |
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By Todd Hollritt
Shown here walking into the scene of another working fire in Paterson, New Jersey. |
PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ - Anyone who has buffed a fire in Passaic County, New Jersey will recognize the familiar face of the priest in turnouts. Father John Piccione, O.F.M. He is always first due with not one, but two local Fire Departments within the range of his parish. He is a Pastor by day at Saint Bonventure’s Church in Paterson, New Jersey. But he puts on another robe of Reflective Stripes and Nomex, and serves as Fire Chaplin when the alarm rings at any time of the day or night.
He is a true friend of the firefighters, both paid and volunteer, as he serves both the City of Paterson Fire Department and the nearby West Paterson Volunteer Fire Department. One can only imagine he’s really a fire buff at heart! He arrives not too far behind the first due fire apparatus and welcomes firefighters with a warm greetings and silent prayer that they accomplish their task at hand safely. More importantly, his presence at the fire scenes lends compassion to the residents and victims of the fire. Weather and time are not a factor when the flames rage and the siren sounds, as he dons his fire gear and white helmet and takes his place near the Chief Officers at the incident command post. With a nod or a wave, he stands fast, watching over those who fight the fire. Those who can catch a momentary break always stop by to greet him in return.
Many a time at a fire scene, I have turned around and spotted his friendly face, not too common these days. He has probably witnessed as many fires as most fireman or fire buffs have over the years, and we are all thankful of the job that he performs. It is a great comfort the firefighters to know they have someone watching over them.
This is a prayer written by Franciscan friar, Mychal F. Judge, Chaplin with the Fire Department of New York, he carried it with him the day he lost his life at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 watching over his men… affectionately known to firemen as Mycahl's Prayer:
Lord, take me where you want me to go;
Let me meet who you want me to meet;
Tell me what you want me to say
And keep me out of your way.
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Editors Note: Todd Hollritt originally submitted this story as a Working Faces feature. He did slot it appropriately. However, I did not want to see it get lost in the Feature section. You don’t always see the work a Chaplain performs on the fireground. I thought that it would be appropriate to showcase this story at this thankful time of the year.
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