June 22, 2009 New Volunteer Pastors Program Becomes Official

Public is Invited to Attend Ceremony

Fire Chief Brian A. Crawford will officially swear-in the newly selected members of the Shreveport Fire Department’s Volunteer Pastors Program. Chief Crawford invites the public to attend this ceremony as he presents this group of presbyters to the public and to the Department.

Logistics for ceremony:

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: 263 North Common
(Fire Administration-Conference Room)

Chief Crawford selected the following diverse group of individuals after viewing their educational background, experience and availability to serve in this capacity. These volunteer pastors have the daunting task of serving two groups of people--the citizens of Shreveport and the employees of this department--during times of crisis. Brief bios are below:

• Father Guido Verbeck- Worship leader for St. Paul Episcopal Church. Father Verbeck has earned a Master of Divinity; Bronze Star Medal with Valor while serving his country; and volunteers in many other roles.

• Father Brendan Pelphrey- Worship leader for St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Father Brendan has an earned Ph.D.in Christian Theology; speaks Chinese, Cantonese, Greek, Spanish and German; certified in Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disasters; certified-Pastoral Crisis Intervention; and certified-Critical Incident Stress Management

• Pastor Brian G. Hollins- Pastor of the Emmanuel Christian Ministries. Pastor Hollins is a retired Chief of Training for the Shreveport Fire Department. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Wiley College.

• Dr. Randy Harper-Pastor of the Bellaire Baptist Church. Dr. Harper has earned a Ph.D., Divinity and Ministry, respectively; a member of the United States Volunteers-Joint Service Command; certified in Community Emergency Response Team (CERTS); certified-Emergency Program Manager; certified in CPR and First Aid; and commissioned as a deputy with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department

• Pastor Arthur Douglas- Pastor of the St. Peter Baptist Church. Pastor Douglas has over 20 years experience of leadership experience; an Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Stephens Educational Bible College; Former Chaplain with Shreveport Police Department; and SFD Volunteer Chaplain from 2004-2006