Last Thursday afternoon there was an event on the Ravenel Bridge regarding a distraught motorist. If you live and work here in the lowcountry you are keenly aware of the impact this event had in completely snarling traffic for hours. As the event unfolded on live TV, radio and the internet, we all got to witness this difficult situation. If you followed the local news outlets in subsequent days, you also know that this event was the culmination of a complex series of business and personal issues suffered by this individual over the last two years.
What you may not be aware of is the role the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy (CCC) played that day. The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy is a local organization that provides pastoral care and counseling for employees and families of first responders, as well as the general public. They provide follow-up visitations in the home or in the hospital for victims of crimes and their families. They also assist the Mobile Crisis Unit and SWAT teams in hostage negotiations and other local emergency situations. Chaplain Rob Dewey, founder and Senior Chaplain, was one of the responders to the situation on the Bridge last Thursday. Chaplain Dewey said the person asked to speak with him since he knew Chaplain Dewey from his days on the Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad. “I’m thankful he was willing to turn himself in and that he and everyone was able to leave the Bridge safe,” said Chaplain Dewey. He went on to remind me “this is one of the 1400 or so calls that the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy will respond to this year.”
I mention this connection because the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy is one of 12 charities who will benefit from this year’s Cooper River Bridge Run on March 31st. If you are running, please consider designating this organization, or one of the other 11 well-deserving charities. Chaplain Dewey, and many of the other first responders in our area, would be very appreciative.
