Pastor Don Akers

The Chaplain provides support and spiritual Guidance for law enforcement officers and staff personnel through

MINISTRY OF PRESENCE: The Chaplain regularly visits the department for personal contact with law enforcement personnel and staff. They build trusting relationships and establish credibility. Riding with the officers on their shifts, when allowed, is vital to a successful ministry.

COUNSELING: The Chaplain provides guidance and confidential counseling for personal, family, and job-related problems. They refer those in need of professional help to qualified counselors.

EMERGENCY SERVICES: The Chaplain assists families of officers/staff personnel/victims in times of serious injury, illness or death. They respond immediately to emergency situations involving departmental personnel and victims.

REFERRAL SERVICES: The Chaplain maintain an updated list of spiritual and social service providers, to whom they refer departmental personnel, victims, and their families.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES: The Chaplain conducts worship services/Bible Studies as needed. He offers invocations and benedictions at staff meetings, graduations, award ceremonies, and civic and social events, as requested.

WEDDINGS/FUNERALS: Often the chaplain is the only minister with whom law enforcement can relate. Occasionally, the chaplain is asked to conduct weddings and funerals by the officers or their families. The chaplain responds to the need as an opportunity for ministry and witness.

TRAINING: The Chaplain participates in basic law enforcement training. They sometimes become training resource leaders.

The Reason: Law enforcement officers need someone to assist them with death notifications, Suicide attempts and emotionally upset people who have been traumatized. They also need someone to care for their families and themselves during times of trauma or distress.