Fr. Robert Rien, with his warm, infectious smile and seemingly boundless energy, has the rare ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room – a trait that serves him well in his role as chaplain for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD).
Rien, who is also pastor at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, has been ECCFPD’s chaplain for two years and brings to the role his 45 years of experience in the priesthood and nearly as many years experience as chaplain for organizations like the U.S. Air Force, the Oakland Fire Department, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Antioch Police Department. His path to the role with ECCFPD began when he met Brian Helmick in 2007, long before Helmick moved to his current role as fire chief.
“It’s been a phenomenal experience being able to be with them,” said Rien. “I’m deeply grateful to Brian (Helmick) for bringing me on board. As I’ve gotten to know (the firefighters) better, I’ve been invited into their homes. I’ve met their wives, their children, their families.”