Chaplains have been a familiar entity serving hospitals, police and fire departments, correctional institutes and our nation’s largest employer, the U.S military, since July 29, 1775. The use of chaplains in the workplace has greatly accelerated over the last almost three decades due to the innovative work of Marketplace Chaplains; however, the latest growth frontier is in one of the oldest industries, railroads.

Over the last 7 years, more than 100 specially trained Railroad chaplains across America have offered help and concern to those impacted by railroad related crises.  The Railroad Chaplains are there in times of need to offer comfort to the men and women who operate these engines of steel, and to the families and friends of those affected.

Marketplace Chaplains, America’s original and largest chaplaincy service, operates Railroad Chaplains USA-Canada-Mexico (RRC) out of its national headquarters in Dallas.

“Our railroad chaplains are angels, in human form, as they support grieving families across the country,” said Joe Mayden, Vice President and General Manager of the North American organization.

Railroad Chaplains receive unique training on specific ways to help the railroad company employees, the injured parties and their family members deal with the aftermath of a railroad related incident, which can occur anywhere on the North American rail lines, often hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles from home and loved ones.

RRC currently works with two major rail companies, along with providing Chaplains for the Railroad Safety Council in Illinois.  The RRC operates as a separate entity of Marketplace Chaplains.

Railroad Chaplains have driven or flown many thousands of miles to distant rail-stops or cities in over 23 states.  They have made countless hospital and in-home visits, conducted numerous funerals at the request of families, and continue to offer real care and concern with ongoing letters, cards, helpful literature and books along with telephone calls months and even years after a crisis has occurred.

Mayden gives overall leadership to the Railroad Chaplain service, as does Assistant General Manager Chris Paine alongside the dedicated RRC administrative staff.

“As a chaplain serving people who are involved in a railroad issue, I seek to give hope to hurting hearts and to help people,” said Dallas Railroad Chaplain Paul Shirley.

Railroad chaplains are available 24-7 and may be dispatched by railroad companies which contract with RRC to any location where a railroad incident or crisis takes place.

“These specially trained men and women are vitally important during such times.  Their compassionate concern and care positively helps all those impacted to deal with the worry, grief, and sorrow that often follows a railroad related issue,” said Marketplace Chaplains’ President and COO Richard S. De Witt.