Phoenix Fire Department Chaplain Inspired by Call to Serve

February 10, 2009 – Sometimes fire fighters are called to emergency scenes that are so traumatic, it is clear that the victims will be affected for a long time. Responding fire fighters or dispatch operators will then call on the services of the fire department chaplain.

Phoenix Fire Department Chaplain Carl Carlozzi, a member of Phoenix Local 493, says he is most often called for on-scene assistance in the aftermath of suicides, murders, drownings, fires, sudden infant deaths and other tragic events.

“I understand that I’m being called to help people who are perhaps experiencing the worst day of their lives,” states Father Carlozzi. “It is my job to listen and to try to make a difference.”

One of his most recent calls came when a child was murdered. The victim’s family requested Carlozzi on the scene to perform last rights before the body was carried away.

“I am there for all of Phoenix’s citizens and fire fighters, ” the chaplain explains.

Carlozzi was an Episcopal priest for 37 years before he began donating his services to the Phoenix Fire Department in 1993. In 2002, he became the department’s full-time chaplain. He works full time and is on-call around the clock.

Father Carlozzi also presides over weddings, baptism and funerals and is available for fire fighter counseling. Additionally, he is a member of the FEMA Arizona Task Force 1 team. Past deployments include the Oklahoma City bombing and New York City (9/11).

His experiences with the Phoenix Fire Department and his fellow members of Local 493 inspired him to write his 9th book, Fire Department Religion: A Hopeful Story about Religious Coequality and Being Nice. Click here for more information.