Rapid Response: A Chaplain's View of Ministry and Tragedy With Kelly Burke

Host Pastor Jack King welcomes back Captain Kelly Burke, a man whose life bridges ministry and law enforcement, having served as an associate pastor, worked with the Billy Graham Association, and spent 25 years as a captain with the Tallahassee Police Department. Burke offers a unique, dual perspective on the reality of crisis and the call to serve. They discuss the recent Will Graham "Sunshine State Good News Tour" event in Tallahassee, where Burke served with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. He shares the team's mission to minister to hurting people and to maintain an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move freely, even amidst potential opposition. Then, in a gripping segment, Captain Burke walks through the events of the tragic Florida State University shooting. He recounts the immediate, chaotic response he witnessed at police headquarters, the incredible speed of the officers, and the "muscle memory" training that enabled them to respond effectively. He emphasizes the importance of pushing the threat, rendering aid, and the crucial role he took in that moment: prayer for the students, leadership, and officers. -- The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deploys chaplains to minister in situations of grief, chaos, and trauma, whether caused by natural disasters (hurricanes, floods) or man-made tragedies (riots, shootings). -- Chaplains are trained to look for opportunities to minister to those who are hurting, often identified by their countenance or by approaching those in fluorescent vests for help. -- Kelly Burke expresses deep pride in law enforcement's ability to run toward danger and praised the professional, multi-agency response to the FSU shooting that relied on intense training. -- The nature of active shooter training evolved significantly after events like Columbine, shifting from "surrounding and calling out" to "pushing the threat" to stop the attacker immediately. -- The FSU police officer who stopped the shooter was operating on training that became automatic, saving lives in a moment of intense danger. Scriptures for Further Study -- John 16:33 -- Psalm 46:1-3 -- Matthew 5:44 This is episode 1251. ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X