The Lake Delton Fire Department welcomed a new chaplain into its fold Monday night. The Rev. Steven G. Keller, long-time pastor for Wisconsin Dells United Presbyterian Church, received his chaplain badge from Lake Delton Fire Chief Darren Jorgenson during a brief induction ceremony at the station. Keller steps into the role held by the Rev. Dennis Schueler, the popular department chaplain who passed away last winter after serving in that capacity — both officially and unofficially — for a decade. The popular local minister — known by most as “Pastor Steve” — will fill an important position within the department, said Jorgenson. “When members are dealing with crises of their own, such as a traumatic (fire) call or something that is happening in their personal life, there’s someone here they can reach out to,” Jorgenson said. “He’s made himself very available already for members to contact him if they have stuff they need to work through, personal or work-related.” Keller’s first statement to the department following his official “pinning ceremony” reflected that role. “It’s really great to be a part of the fire deparment,” he said, “and please don’t ever hesitate to call if you need anything.” In addition to his pastoral abilities, which he has utilized in serving the Presbyterian Church here since 1995, Keller also brings 16 years’ experience as a registered nurse and four years as a hospital administrator. “He gets it,” Jorgenson said of Keller. “He’s very warm, very available and he understands the nature of our business, and those characteristics make him a great addition to our family here at the station.”