PFD Chaplain

Chaplain Nick Petrucci

Nick Petrucci is a native Phoenician. He joined the Phoenix Fire Department on April 9, 1979, realizing a childhood dream.

His is a family of career Firefighters; a brother Joe, a nephew, and his two sons. Firefighting was his love from 1979‐2013. Nick’s career took me from being a firefighter, engineer, a member of the Haz‐Mat team, to accepting a position on the Command Van at South Deputy, which allowed him the opportunity to develop relationships with on and off duty personnel.

His desire in this position was toprovide a “listening ear.” He finished his last year on the job working with the Local 493 and Fire Administrationassisting in Member Services. Along with the many duties of a firefighter/engineer, came the mental and emotional stress of dealing with tragic calls throughout his career.

Many times while in Member Services, Nick was called to provide emotional support to those in the hospital, at home recovering from an illness or support because of the death of a loved one. He had the opportunity to continue in the Fire Service by being a Chaplain for the Surprise Fire and Medical Department.

Thirty‐five years of experience in one of the busiest departments in the country prepared him to understand the emotional stress and demands that affect not only the firefighter, but their family as well. His strong faith and relationship with God has prepared him to be approachable, confidential, compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgmental.

Chaplains are a tool that have many resources. Being able to direct those in need to the correct resource, i.e., a listening ear, a healthcare professional or to the benefits the Department offers is one of the greatest rewards of the Chaplaincy.