(L to R): Assistant Fire Chief Robert Tillman; Chaplain Pastor Franklin Williams; and Fire Chief Brian Sikes

Firefighters face challenges every day; not only in the physical work they perform, but in the impact some of the work has on their personal life. Now, those who brave conditions to save property and lives in the City of Vidalia will have a person to turn to when the going gets rough.

At the September meeting of the Vidalia City Council, Assistant Fire Chief Robert Tillman introduced the new chaplain, Pastor Franklin Williams, and described just a few of his duties.

“We see some terrible things,” Assistant Chief Tillman, said. “I could provide a laundry list of things that have kept me awake at night. Now, knowing I will have someone there that I can talk to and pray with will make a huge difference.”

In recognizing Pastor Williams’ new position, Asst. Chief Tillman pinned a cross on his uniform and said, “By accepting this cross as Chaplain, may you do His work. To God by the glory.”

While Pastor Williams has a new title, he’s definitely not new to the department. Fire Chief Brian Sikes says he served with the department for 20 years, and earned the rank of Captain before retiring, and after retiring, has continued to serve as a volunteer.