Many, La. – For fire department chaplain Brady Lewning, serving as a first responder is a blend of childhood excitement, serious danger, and a heavy emotional toll. After years on the fireground, Lewning transitioned to chaplaincy to provide spiritual and emotional support to his fellow firefighters.
From the Fireline to the Pulpit
Lewning spent his early career in the ranks, driven by a deep passion for the fire service rather than financial gain. “Our number one priority is keeping our firemen safe,” he said. “The fire service is not a high‑paying job. You really have to love it.”
While the thrill of fire trucks and heavy equipment often draws new recruits, the daily reality places firefighters in hazardous conditions – from burning structures to vehicle wrecks in flooded creek beds. The psychological aftermath of those emergency calls can linger long after the scene is cleared.
Trauma and the Need for Compassion
“You just see stuff that… when you close your eyes, you still see it,” Lewning explained. “It’s traumatic. We’ve lost family members, and that’s a big deal. You don’t always get told thank you.” Recognizing the draining nature of emergency response, Lewning stepped into his role as department chaplain to support firefighters through the job’s toughest moments.
Chaplaincy Is About Love, Not Rigid Doctrine
Lewning emphasized that chaplaincy is focused on human connection rather than strict religious dogma. “A lot of people think chaplaincy is just ultra‑religious, and it’s not,” he said. “It’s about loving people. It’s just about whatever they need – sometimes it’s just making a phone call to ask, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’”
His ministry is rooted in Christian faith, but he stresses that the primary goal is to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of the crew, whether that means prayer, a listening ear, or simply a friendly check‑in.
Serving Both the Pulpit and the Firehouse
Now serving in the pulpit while continuing to support his fellow first responders, Lewning views his ministry as the ultimate fulfillment of his career. “I’ve enjoyed everything that I have done – I enjoy the fire service,” he said. “But preaching the gospel, loving His people, that is what I’m called to do.”
Lewning’s approach reflects a broader trend among first‑responder chaplains who prioritize mental‑health care, community, and faith‑based support over doctrinal instruction. By offering a compassionate presence, he helps firefighters process trauma, maintain resilience, and stay connected to the families and neighborhoods they protect.
Community Impact
The chaplaincy program in Many serves as a model for other small‑town fire departments seeking to address the hidden wounds of emergency work. Lewning’s dedication underscores the importance of faith‑based volunteers who stand beside their neighbors in both crisis and daily life, reinforcing the strong family and community values that define Many, Louisiana.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
