The Very Rev. David W.T. Thurlow has been a chaplain with the Clarendon County Fire Department for nine years. It was through his full-time work as minister and pastor of St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Summerton that the 46-year-old former Canadian naval officer got involved with volunteer firefighting.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER?
I originally got involved with the Fire Department through our church’s hosting of an annual memorial service on the first through 10th anniversaries of Sept. 11. Having served as a naval officer and chaplain with the Canadian Navy before moving to Summerton, I welcomed the opportunity to serve as chaplain in the fire service.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT?
It truly is a privilege to be able to serve God and country with and alongside such a great group of men and women (who are) dedicated to serving our community so sacrificially. I am proud of the work they do, the service they provide to our community, and consider it to be an honor and blessing to be a volunteer with our county fire department.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CHAPLAIN?
As a chaplain I serve in a supporting capacity, and mine is the privilege to be on scene with our firefighters, to pray for our responders and those who called for help, and to be of assistance as the need arises.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT?
Firefighters face and rise to meet all sorts of challenges; perhaps the hardest are responding to those scenes where in a moment sudden tragedy results in the loss of life, particularly when such tragedy could have been avoided.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE CALL YOU HAVE BEEN ON?
There are a few calls that are forever etched in my mind, but memories of each response often flash in my mind’s eye as I drive down the interstate or through the county and pass by the scene where there was a particular incident. I like to take a moment (then) to remember before God the victims, their families and those who responded to these calls in my prayers. Truth be told, and sadly, there are far too many memorable calls to list just one.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I am married to Lynn Thurlow. We have four children: Peter, 14; James, 12; Isabel Grace, 10; and Mary Elizabeth, 7.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Boating, sailing, golf and archery.
