Rev. Pamela Holmes Becomes FDNY’s First Black Female Chaplain, Sworn in by 1st African American and Woman AG of New York, Letitia James

Amazing Grace Under Pressure: Rev. Pamela Holmes (left), an associate pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, became the first Black female chaplain of the Fire Department of New York City on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Rev. Holmes was sworn into her role at the esteemed Christian Cultural Center in Flatlands by another ground-breaking history-maker Letitia James, first African American and woman Attorney General of New York State.

This significant milestone in diversity and the department’s history was nearly marred by an ill-mannered segment at the promotion ceremony. James, always fierce, greeted fire with fine words of grace: “We’re in the House of the Lord. I will pray for you.” It was a fitting sentiment for the important occasion. Chaplains pray at ceremonies and do invocations.

In addition to house and church visits, a chaplain’s role is to make hospital visits to the sick and injured firefighters, assist when families are notified about the death of a loved one in the line of duty and counsel firefighters.
Bernice Elizabeth Green
Photo:thechiefleader.com