Today, Ralph and I talk about his book titled ‘The Book of Miracles: Things That Only God Could Have Done.’ He shares accounts of Divine intervention in both his personal and professional life, including, a couple of the hardest 911 calls he responded to and what coping mechanisms he learned. Fire Chaplain Ralph E Haynes serves as fire chaplain for the Chula Vista Fire Department. Also known as “CH,” he was born in a small town on October 16, 1954 in Kountze, Texas.

At 3, his life was forever changed by a devastating fire in the Haynes family’s home. This major event was the catalyst for his desire to become a firefighter.

His fire service career began in 1973 after high school. He enlisted in the United States Navy to become a welder because the dream of being a firefighter had faded. However, by God’s providence, the welders for the navy were also the firefighter. During his naval service, Ralph served on three ships: the USS Piedmont, the USS Sperry, and the USS Buchanan.

Ralph was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1977 in San Diego, California. He immediately enrolled in the fire science program at Miramar College, San Diego. Completing his degree and graduating from the program with High Honors.

During this time in college, he was hired as a federal firefighter at the Naval Station Fire Department. He became one of the first blacks to work there as a federal firefighter.

In 1980, Haynes was hired as a fire recruit by the City of San Diego Fire Department (SDFD). During his thirty (30) year career, he served as a firefighter, firefighter/EMT, fire engineer, fire captain, dispatch captain, training captain, fire academy lead instructor and various other assignments for the fire department. His honors, awards and commendations are numerous.

Ralph recommitted his life to Jesus Christ in 1982 and began training for the ministry as a deacon. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1990.

He was appointed as the first fire chaplain within the fire ranks of the San Diego Fire Department.

He is most proud to be called the husband of Raynice, his wife of 40 years and “daddy” and “papa” by his children and grandchildren.

In 2010, after a total fire service career of 36 years and 10 months, Ralph retired from the SDFD. He ended his career by serving over 10.5 years at Fire Station 17, aka “The Hub,” and the busiest fire station in the city of San Diego.

After retirement, Ralph continued to serve in San Diego county and the surrounding communities

The members of the Chula Vista Fire Department are known as “PEOPLE WHO LOVE PEOPLE” As the Fire Chaplain of Chula Vista Fire Department, Fire Chaplain Haynes continues his mission in life: “TO PLEASE GOD AND SERVE PEOPLE.”

Find Ralph:

http://ralphehaynes.com/

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