By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The volunteer chaplains who respond to assist in traumatic events around Lewis County need new pagers and jackets.
Kevin Curfman, president of Lewis County Chaplaincy Services, said they secured those items years ago through a grant and since, have basically been funded by donations from churches and businesses.
[1]A benefit concert for the group featuring the Voetberg Family of stringed instrument musicians is set for the evening of Saturday Feb. 19.
The chaplaincy services started in 1989 to respond with police, firefighters and the coroner’s office to support family members and emergency workers, according to Curfman.
The 16 men and women are trained to, for example, be with the family of a cardiac arrest victim or at a house fire and explain what’s going on. They help put those in need in touch with the Red Cross.
“If a spouse needs a ride to the hospital, they can do that,” Curfman said. “Basically, they’re just there to support the family.”
They do the majority of death notifications with the Lewis County Coroner’s Office.
The fundraising event will be held at 6 p.m. at Bethel Church of the Assemblies of God, just east of Interstate 5 at exit 72 in Napavine. There’s no admission fee, but donations will be accepted.
Proceeds will benefit the group with needed equipment and ongoing expenses.
Curfman says more information can be found on the organization’s web site [2] or their Facebook [3] page.