The Chaplain is a voluntary position filled by a local clergy to help meet the human, spiritual and the ecumenical needs of fire department staff, affected citizens and guests. Chaplain services are on a per diem basis.

D. Lee Jessup

Dr. Lee Jessup has been serving as the fire departments official chaplain since its inception. A native of Newton NC, growing up in Hickory NC, Lee, his wife Mary-Jo, and family have lived in the Lexington area for over 20 years.

He is a 1973 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, received a Masters of Divinity in 1976 from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and in 1992 earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University.

Dr. Jessups career has led him to pastorate positions at churches in Charlotte and Lexington, and as Vice-President of Development for United Church Retirement homes where he served for nine years. He is the President/CEO of United Way of Davidson County.

An active supporter of the Lexington community, he has served on many board and commissions. Dr. Jessups published work includes Snakes Just Make Me Nervous and a regular newspaper column for the The Dispatch.