First responder to the first responders

MORRIS – Pastor Steve Larson is a brother figure to some, a father figure to others and just “Steve” to many more.

Morris Fire Protection and Ambulance Chief Tracey Steffes calls Larson the first responder for the first responders.

“We find him on the scene before us quite often,” Morris Police Chief Brent Dite said. “We always think, ‘How does he know?’ He has a police and fire radio. He responds if he’s available.”

Larson has been Morris Police Department chaplain since 2001 and Morris fire chaplain since 2005.

“The presence of a ministry and my relationships with the departments have grown over time,” Larson said. “They see me around, get to know me and then trust me. Some have pointed others in my direction.”

Steffes remembers a time when both Morris police and Morris fire had no chaplain.

“EMS, fire and police all see, hear and smell some of the worst things,” Steffes said. “Before Steve, the way of dealing was, ‘If you can’t handle it, you’re not cut out to do this job. You can’t deal with it.’ We’d bury emotions. Maybe turn to alcohol, or break out in an argument with a loved one.”

Morris Police Deputy Chief John Severson said in addition to helping EMS, firefighters and police, Larson is available in traumatic situations for victims’ loved ones.

Larson has been on the scene of children drowning several times and has had to tell families the gut-wrenching news. He knew at least one of those children personally.

“The things departments see are horrible,” Larson said. “Whether it be domestic incidents, death or any type of heartache. People want police and firefighters to fix their lives. I want to be an example of looking to the Lord when we have problems. He wants us to come to him.”

Former Fire Chief Bob Coleman saw the need for a chaplain, but Steffes did some things to improve his availability. Larson’s membership in the department is no different than the firefighters.

“He might not be in a 400- to 500-degree hallway, but he’s on the scene,” Steffes said. “Some people don’t believe in God, but in this business you tend to start believing in God.”

It’s become more common over the years for small-town departments to have a relationship with clergy, Dite said. Larson has his own police and fire department uniforms, and finds himself stopping in on a regular basis, even though it’s a voluntary role.

“My love for Christ motivates me to do this,” Larson said. “These men and women need to know Jesus loves them. I believe what they do is a call from God. This isn’t something you do for fun and if you do, I don’t believe you’d last long.”

Larson became a pastor at First Baptist Church of Morris in 2008 after being a youth pastor from 1984 to 2000.

“First Baptist is my primary responsibility,” Larson said. “It wouldn’t be possible without the support of my church. They pray for us as I head out the door to a scene.”

Larson said he’s thankful for the opportunity to be there for all involved. Steffes said he struggles with some decisions as a leader and goes to Larson for guidance. They’ve known each other almost their whole lives.

“He played ball with my brother,” Steffes said. “We both come from farm families, which I believe are salt-of-the-earth people.”

Larson farmed with his father as a child at the family farm five or six miles north of town. He graduated from Morris Community High School and then went to Bible school. He married his wife Kristi in 1983, and joined the ministry after. They have five kids, two of whom live in North Dakota, one in Chicago and two in the Morris area, as well as several grandchildren. Larson is a friend to members enjoying nights out with both crews, and serves at funerals for fallen members of the departments and for their loved ones, if asked.

“They say most people are replaceable,” Dite said. “I’m not quite sure he’s replaceable.”