Detroit Fire Department honors 90-year-old Chaplain on his birthday
Detroit Fire Department special salute for 90-year-old Chaplain
When responding to a deadly plane crash scene near Detroit Metro Airport back in 1987, Aren knew Chaplains work was his calling
DETROIT (FOX 2) - A Detroit fire chief was honored when turning 90 on Wednesday. His colleagues used this celebratory moment to tell him thank you for his years of service.
The backstory:
George Aren, Chief Chaplin for Detroit Fire Department, was committed to others as he helped them through hard times.
When responding to a deadly plane crash scene near Detroit Metro Airport back in 1987, Aren knew Chaplain work was his calling.
"The idea of me doing disaster work has only been mentioned to me on Friday morning and then Sunday night was flight 255 and that was my introduction into disaster," said Aren.
Aren became emotional, talking about his devoted work as a DFD Chaplain. Over the years he realized it wasn’t what he said to loved ones during dark moments, it was just being present.
"You don’t go up to them and say I know how you feeling, it's just wrong you haven’t got the slightest idea about how they feel," said Aren. " How you treat people is all that matters."
He also took his ministry to New York City after 9/11.
It had been 22 years of service at the DFD, and as Aren continues his commitment,his colleagues, family and friends treated him to a celebration to say thank you.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army Band led by Aren's son also performed.
He is set to retire in September and when he leaves he will take a piece of DFD with him.