Exploring the Role of Chaplaincy in the Fire Service

Objectives and Summary:

Join us for a collaborative conversation between Murphy Hanley, Polk County Fire Rescue Chaplain, Jon Hall, President of Local 3531 Polk County Professional Fire Fighters, and Hannah Elmore, IAFF Center of Excellence Clinical Outreach Coordinator, exploring the role of chaplaincy in the fire service. As first responders face stress and emotional challenges in the line of duty, chaplains serve as a critical support system—providing emotional and spiritual supportive care. This session will delve into how fire service chaplains contribute to the well-being of fire fighters and their families, promote resilience within departments, and foster a culture of care and connection. Attendees will hear real-world insights from an experienced chaplain and fire service leader and discover how chaplaincy can be integrated as a trusted and effective resource in any fire department.

Presented By:

Murphy Hanley

Chaplain, Polk County Fire Rescue
After a 20-year career as a podiatrist, Murphy walked away from practice to answer a call that had been placed on his life. For several years Murphy served as a volunteer chaplain to Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue. In 2022, Murphy became the first full-time chaplain in the history of Polk County Fire Rescue. He is an IAFF Certified Peer Supporter, as well as being certified by Illinois Firefighter Peer Support, and UCF REACT.

Jon Hall

President, Local 3531, Polk County Professional Fire Fighters
Jon Hall is a career firefighter and union leader currently serving as President of IAFF Local 3531 and a Captain with Polk County Fire Rescue. Jon has been a strong advocate for firefighter wellness, mental health, and peer support initiatives. He has played a key role in advancing programs focused on behavioral health, PTSD risk reduction, and critical incident support, and is a passionate supporter of expanding chaplaincy services in the firehouse.

Hannah Elmore, MSW

Sr. Clinical Outreach Coordinator
Hannah Elmore is the Clinical Outreach Coordinator for the IAFF Center of Excellence. Hannah works with fire fighters through connection to behavioral health resources, providing education, and offering support. Hannah educates on behavioral health topics pertaining to the fire service and first responder communities to departments, peer teams, families and clinicians. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Florida State University and is certified in IAFF Peer Support.