Meet the Chaplains roaming TPA seeking to 'ground' passengers

Faith in action: TPA Chaplains

FOX 13's Haley Hinds introduces you to a man who's sole job is to bring direction and a sense of calm to passengers in a hurry and employees on the go.

TAMPA, Fla. - This is the time of year when airports all over the country are packed with people coming and going. There are long lines, delays, cancelations, lost luggage, and sometimes, lost tempers.

But among the crowds at Tampa International Airport, there are people whose sole job is to bring calm, direction, and even a little levity for passengers in a hurry or employees on the go.

Krzanowski speaking with a passenger at TPA.

While most at TPA want to get in the air, their chaplains work daily to keep people grounded.

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"A lot of people have no idea what's going to happen at the airport. Some people feel anxious about flying," said Chaplain Cliff Barteaux.

They chat with passengers and check in on workers. They respond to calls when comfort or support is needed.

"We are there for everybody. No faith, Muslims, Jews, Protestants, Catholics, you name it," said Deacon Joe Krzanowski said.

Krzanowski speaking with a passenger at TPA.

A lot of times, the Chaplains just listen.

"There are people that are really saddened by things and sometimes just need to cry," Krzanowski said.

They keep a list of prayer requests, too.

"Maybe their mom or dad is sick, or a neighbor is really sick, and they're really concerned about it," said Deacon Jim Paterson. "We pray for them twice a day at home, of course."

Krzanowski is both a deacon and a doctor. He's an Emeritus professor and former Associate Dean for USF College of Medicine. His career of teaching and healing continues.

Newspaper clipping of Krzanowski as a professor at USF.

"I'm involved in weddings, preparations, baptisms, homilies at the parish, graveside, days of reflection," Krzanowski said. "Wherever the call comes, that's where I am."

You can find the chaplains making their rounds from the chapel to the gates, ticketing to the rental cars, and claiming baggage to the hotel.

"If I'm standing in line at TSA, it's a great place to start the conversation," said Barteaux. "Where are you heading today?"

"We just hand out these little lollipops, and that helps to initiate a conversation," said Paterson

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Chaplains cover a lot of miles, according to Barteaux.

"It's a physically demanding job."

They're in no rush. However, the presence of chaplains can be crucial in times of crisis. Krzanowski knows that all too well.

"My brother Ed was a physician in the Navy, and he was coming down here," said Krzanowski.

In 1982, Krzanowski lost Ed and his family in the Air Florida crash into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. When they got the news, there was no one to talk to.

"At that time, there was no chaplaincy here," Krzanowski said. "And if I could participate and be part of it, maybe I could be a source of calm, a source of presence, of hope to people who are going through various tragedies."

Now, Krzanowski helps people through their struggles, like an employee facing another bout of cancer.

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"My motto all the time is that you have to be positive," Krzanowski said to the woman. "You have to be thinking that. As soon as you start going negative, then it's negative."

To a passenger, the airport may seem transient, with people coming and going from all over. But to a chaplain, it's more of a small town.

You may not always notice them.

"We're the airport's best-kept secret, and we kind of keep a low profile," Barteaux said.

But they're on standby at a moment's notice.

"You want them to know that you care," said Krzanowski. "And people, when they hear that, they say, 'You really do care, don't you?' I say, yeah, I really do."

Ask the information desk to send a chaplain over if you ever need guidance or an open ear. They'll be happy to help (and share a few lollipops.)

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