Rev. John Greenlee, Fire Chaplain Chaplain Greenlee with a Wichita citizen. Rev. David McCord, Fire Chaplain

Many worthwhile programs have been born as the result of a tragedy. Such was the case of the Fire Chaplain program for the Wichita Fire Department. While the fire still raged at the tragic Yingling Chevrolet Company fire, Rev. John Greenlee, pastor of the West Side Christian Church volunteered his services to assist the families of the firefighters who were lost and those of the firefighters who were injured. Rev. Greenlee was to become the founder and a very strong worker for the Fire Chaplain program from its inception to its present function.

With no precedent to follow, the program as established was the direct result of Chaplain Greenlee's strong desire to serve the firefighters, their families, and the citizens of Wichita. The original concept was two-fold: The Chaplain would be available to the firefighters for their personal or domestic needs. He would also be of assistance to citizens at the scene of a fire or other incidents to which members of the Wichita Fire Department respond.

Chaplain Greenlee served from the beginning of the program on December 18, 1968, until August of 1974, at which time he accepted church responsibilities outside of the city.

Rev. Leslie Rock, also a minister of the West Side Christian Church, accepted the position of Fire Chaplain in August of 1974 and served until December 29, 1975. Chaplain Rock had served as Chaplain #2 under Chaplain Greenlee, and the program continued to function very well. When Chaplain Rock accepted a church outside of the city, Rev. David McCord of West Side Christian Church accepted the responsibilities of the Fire Chaplain and still serves in that capacity.

Wichita firefighters and the citizens of Wichita are indeed indebted to the members of the West Side Christian Church for their fine support of the Chaplain program. By allowing their ministers to give of their time, as well as the church time to provide this service, the members indicate their continuing concern for others.

It should also be noted that these men have served on a voluntary basis with the City providing protective gear and radio equipment. The members of the department, through the Firemen's Welfare Fund, provide the Chaplain with a car and the operating costs.

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