The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) is proud to announce the appointment of Chaplain Mark Yule as the organization’s new Chaplain, joining the FDSOA leadership team to further support the holistic health and well-being of first responders.

“For many, the role of a chaplain within a safety organization may not be immediately obvious,” said Eric Valliere, CEO of FDSOA. “But as we continue to confront the realities faced by firefighters and safety officers, it has become increasingly clear that physical safety alone is not enough. The spiritual and emotional toll of this profession is real, measurable, and too often overlooked.”

Chaplain Yule brings more than 15 years of experience as Chaplain for the Scottsdale Fire Department, where he has walked alongside firefighters and their families through the most challenging moments of their careers and lives. He is also one of the founding pastors of Highlands Church, a non-denominational church established in 1998.

“Firefighters operate daily in a broken world filled with trauma, loss, and stress,” Valliere continued. “That environment can quietly erode joy, strain marriages, and place members at risk for depression and suicide. Mark understands these dangers not just professionally, but personally. His presence strengthens our mission to protect the whole firefighter — body, mind, and spirit.”

Chaplain Yule shared his perspective on joining FDSOA leadership:

“The more I considered this role, the more I realized how closely our values align. FDSOA is committed to addressing the dangers our members face and offering tools and solutions to keep them healthy. While physical dangers are obvious, the spiritual dangers are just as real and equally harmful. This is where chaplaincy plays a vital role.”

In January 2024, Chaplain Yule’s son Kory, a Captain with the Scottsdale Fire Department, passed away from cancer in the line of duty — a profound loss that further underscores his deep connection to the fire service community.

“Mark’s life experience, faith, and compassion uniquely position him to serve our members with authenticity and credibility,” Valliere said. “We are honored to welcome him to the FDSOA family and look forward to expanding our focus on spiritual health as a core component of firefighter safety.”

Chaplain Yule has been married to his wife Mary Beth for nearly 50 years and is the proud father of two sons and grandfather to eight grandchildren. Outside of his service work, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and golfing.