“A little piece of your heart and soul is ripped out when your brother falls.”. The Rev. Reverend Tom Mulcrone has been a respected member of the Chicago Fire Department, serving as official chaplain for nearly 30 years. His spirits were lifted by this heartwarming gesture by the Chicago Fire Department. To let go of something you love to do – work that is both meaningful and exciting at the same time – is still difficult for me to comprehend. Arclite theme by digitalnature | powered by WordPress. After all, most associate pastors are reassigned every 5-7 years, and parish priests typically move after 12 years, he said. Through prayer and the wise counsel of trusted family and friends I have decided that the time has come for me to retire as the Chaplain of this great fire department. All images and content are ©ChicagoAreaFire.com and are not to be copied or duplicated without our written consent. A donation to the Chicago Fire Department will be suggested, but is not mandatory. This decision, as I have noted, has been a difficult one but the right one. I have been and, God willing, will continue to be the luckiest priest in Chicago – all because of you. I have made too many deep and abiding friendships to just slam the door; I look forward to enjoying the blessings of your friendship in retirement. Thomas Mulcrone plans to retire June 30 as chaplain for the Chicago Fire Department after three decades on the job. Mulcrone, 65, said he didn’t know why he wasn’t asked to take another assignment by the Archdiocese of Chicago. BACK, LOOKING AHEAD There have been moments of incredible joy and satisfaction that have made these years a delight. Thomas Mulcrone chaplain of the Chicago Fire Department, New home for Prospect Heights pumper/squad (more). There have been moments of incredible joy and satisfaction that have made these years a delight. But there have also been those times of tragedy and great sadness, especially when one of our own had fallen. Also, it will be good for the CFD to experience the ministry of a new Chaplain who can bring a fresh perspective and greater energy to this important work. Appearances. Tom realized that a cup of coffee at the kitchen table at the firehouse was the most powerful tool in the box. Over the past year I have taken a lot of time to consider this road I have been on and how I want so much to go forward living my life to the full. The most difficult part of all this is having to say goodbye to all of you – the members, the retirees, the families. To that end I am working with the Archdiocese to ensure that my successor be the right person for this vital ministry. The decision has not been arrived at easily – in some ways it’s frightening beyond words. This is a community run website and has no direct affiliation or endorsement by theChicago Fire Department, City of Chicago, or any other entity named on this website. He received a ride on Engine 78, as well as a fully outfitted uniform.