You are going to a family you have never met and inform them one of their loved ones will never be coming home again. That in and of itself is difficult. Here are 10 important things you should know before making the actual Death Notification.
The Calling
Tribute to law enforcement in America.
The Chaplain and the Cameraman
Facebook Group Guidelines
Thank you all for joining the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop and supporting our work at ChaplainUSA.org.
Our mission is to support police chaplains - hence, we work hard to ensure that our Facebook Page and Group is a trusted space for professional police chaplain organizations.
Police Chaplain Coffee Shop is a Facebook Group for police chaplains, retired police chaplains, and those who police chaplains invite.
Facebook Guidelines
Thank you all for joining the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop and supporting our work at ChaplainUSA.org.
Our mission is to support police chaplains - hence, we work hard to ensure that our Facebook Page and Group is a trusted space for professional police chaplain organizations.
For this reason, we keep our content focused on chaplaincy, using the non-denominational guidelines of International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) as a way to frame content.
If some content is not shared, it is NOT because we object to religious content, but rather that we want to keep this small corner of the internet focused on chaplain training.
Doing so helps us reach more chaplains and more members of the law enforcement community.
This is also the reason we rarely post “third party links” to places like CNN or other off-Facebook sites.
Facebook demotes those kinds of posts.
The only exception are links to other Facebook Groups officially partnered with ChaplainUSA.
That said, we’d love to hear your voice! Please share your thoughts within in the Group or Page through Commenting or Creating a Post from scratch that addresses the concerns of chaplains.
We appreciate your support and are so glad to count you as a member.
Police Chaplain Coffee Shop
ps.
If you have written content related to police chaplaincy, or have information or ideas you would like to share with our audience and beyond, please contact us. We are always honored to work with chaplains in developing educational content for our community.
See less
Rules for the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop
1
Posts must be about police chaplains or of interest to police chaplains.
The way to fix this is to use the magic words: "Police chaplain" in your post.
The words can transform a picture of a cat into something meaningful for chaplains. For
instance...
"Police chaplains and cats have a lot in common ... we both are present, we both listen,
we both comfort."
Thanks to our cat Whiskers for teaching me the best way to heal a troubled soul is to
listen. Every police chaplain should have a cat.
2
Share Links to Websites in Comments
The Facebook algorithm determines which posts people see every time they check their
Facebook feed,
Coffee Shop has 2K members, but only a fraction see the Group's content in their feed.
One reason is FB favors posts that keep people on Facebook. So if you have an external
link to share, include it in Comments under your post so that more of our members see it.
3
Don't Post Links to Websites
Don't post links to destinations off Facebook.
Facebook tends not to share links that take people away from its platform.
Better to link to similar content on Facebook.
(Rather than link to the LAPD Website, link to the LAPD's Facebook page. Rather than link
to a news event on CNN's site, search for a posting from the impacted a police department
on their Facebook page.)
If you like we can help you find a Facebook alternative link for the content you wish to
share.
You may share links in the Reply section under the Post
4
Share what is on your heart.
Post what you have been thinking about. I call it a "here is what is on my heart" post.
It's a post that starts from Scratch....in your head.
It is about something you have been thinking about overnight….while away from the
computer.
It starts like this....
"Last night I was thinking about my grandchildren and how much has changed since I went
to school."
After reading it, invite other chaplains to chime in.
5
Adhere to the ICPC Code of Ethics
Our mission is to support police chaplains hence, we work hard to ensure that our
Facebook Page and Group is a trusted space for professional police chaplain
organizations.
For this reason, we adhere to the International Conference of Police Chaplains Canon of
Ethics for Law Enforcement Chaplains.
By following these guidelines when we post, other groups and agencies can confidently
share our content, which helps us reach more chaplains and more members of the law
enforcement community.
6
An elevator full of police chaplains.
That is not a quiet place. It is a place of laughter and good vibes. It is a place where you
feel the power!
Police Chaplain Coffee Shop is about chaplains talking to one another. When chaplains
visit, they need to feel the power of a chaplain community. Speak freely. You are among
friends.
7
Share your life. Big stuff, Little stuff.
In the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop, police chaplains ARE the news.
What you think is the news. How you cope, your spouse, your kids, your dog or cat, what
shows you watch on Netflix…these ARE the news in the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop.
8
Books and Blogs
If you have written content related to police chaplaincy - a book, a blog, etc - we would
love to share that information. Bring it on!
9
We all break the rules sometimes.
If you are an active member of any group on Facebook, you've probably unknowingly
broken the Group's posting rules.
Trying to consistently enforce the rules is a challenge, but bear with us.
Read over the rules and when you do cross over the line, we will work with you to fix the
problem. Please know that your participation here is truly appreciated.
1 Focus on Chaplaincy
Posts must be about police chaplains or of interest to police chaplains.
The way to fix this is to use the magic words: "Police chaplain" in your post.
The words can transform a picture of a cat into something meaningful for chaplains. For
instance...
"Police chaplains and cats have a lot in common ... we both are present, we both listen,
we both comfort."
Thanks to our cat Whiskers for teaching me the best way to heal a troubled soul is to
listen. Every police chaplain should have a cat.
2 Share Links to Websites in Comments
The Facebook algorithm determines which posts people see every time they check their
Facebook feed,
Coffee Shop has 2K members, but only a fraction see the Group's content in their feed.
One reason is FB favors posts that keep people on Facebook. So if you have an external
link to share, include it in Comments under your post so that more of our members see it.
3 Post Original Content. Don't Post Links to Websites
Don't post links to destinations off Facebook.
Facebook tends not to share links that take people away from its platform.
Better to link to similar content on Facebook.
(Rather than link to the LAPD Website, link to the LAPD's Facebook page. Rather than link
to a news event on CNN's site, search for a posting from the impacted a police department
on their Facebook page.)
If you like we can help you find a Facebook alternative link for the content you wish to
share. You may share links in the Reply section under the Post
4
Share what is on your heart.
Post what you have been thinking about. I call it a "here is what is on my heart" post.
It's a post that starts from Scratch....in your head.
It is about something you have been thinking about overnight….while away from the
computer.
It starts like this....
"Last night I was thinking about my grandchildren and how much has changed since I went
to school."
After reading it, invite other chaplains to chime in.
5 Adhere to the ICPC Code of Ethics
Our mission is to support police chaplains hence, we work hard to ensure that our
Facebook Page and Group is a trusted space for professional police chaplain
organizations.
For this reason, we adhere to the International Conference of Police Chaplains Canon of
Ethics for Law Enforcement Chaplains.
By following these guidelines when we post, other groups and agencies can confidently
share our content, which helps us reach more chaplains and more members of the law
enforcement community.
6
An elevator full of police chaplains.
That is not a quiet place. It is a place of laughter and good vibes. It is a place where you
feel the power!
Police Chaplain Coffee Shop is about chaplains talking to one another. When chaplains
visit, they need to feel the power of a chaplain community. Speak freely. You are among
friends.
7
Share your life. Big stuff, Little stuff.
In the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop, police chaplains ARE the news.
What you think is the news. How you cope, your spouse, your kids, your dog or cat, what
shows you watch on Netflix…these ARE the news in the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop.
8
Books and Blogs
If you have written content related to police chaplaincy - a book, a blog, etc - we would
love to share that information. Bring it on!
9
We all break the rules sometimes.
If you are an active member of any group on Facebook, you've probably unknowingly
broken the Group's posting rules.
Trying to consistently enforce the rules is a challenge, but bear with us.
Read over the rules and when you do cross over the line, we will work with you to fix the
problem. Please know that your participation here is truly appreciated.
Police Chaplains: Frontline of Community Engagement
10 Things Police Chaplains Can Share About Service Dogs
The Violence Project: How To Stop the Mass Shooting Epidemic
Lifesaving Educational Resources for Police Chaplains
Many of you are aware of the SAMHSA Training Technology Transfer Centers (TTCs) as well as the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) who have developed the following list of materials includes those focused on general mental health and substance use-related needs after an incident of violence and civil unrest, as well as separate sections with resources for faith-based communities and spiritual leaders; children, youth, parents and other caregivers, and schools; and disaster responders.
How To Process The Loss Of A Loved One To Substance Abuse
We recently received this letter from Renae Evans, Outreach Coordinator at Spring Hill Recovery:
I'm a team member at Spring Hill Recovery, a center accredited by The Joint Commission considered to be "The Gold Standard" of rehabilitation care. Our organization knows everyone’s situation is unique and deserves personalized, evidence-based treatments.
We believe the same applies to grieving. There is no single way to grieve or heal from the loss of a loved one to drugs and alcohol. For that reason, we created a guide that explains:
How To Process The Loss Of A Loved One To Substance Abuse.
Steps For Healing From The Loss of A Loved One Due To Addiction.
Taking Care Of Yourself After The Death Of A Loved One.
& much more.
Click here to go to article.
Would you be able to help us share this free guide, https://springhillrecovery.com/coping-with-grief/, by adding this link to your website?
Yes, Ms. Evens we are proud to do so.
Our culture assumes happiness is the normal human condition. Why?
The Death of George Floyd
We condemn the indefensible use of force that led to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Now we must find a way forward.
Police chaplains can light the way by reaffirming that foundational principle that we are all in this together, and must act like it.
We must look to those moments of amazing grace amid the riots in our cities. Protesters who courageously protected the weak or sought to restrain violence. In a few places, police who marched with, or prayed with, the protesters.
Today we call on people of goodwill to pray for a restoration of peace in our community and a return to civil order. May the spirit of God unite us in love and respect, and heal our broken society.
Chaplain David Fair, President
Manage Stress During the Coronavirus Outbreak from The Crisis Doctor
First responders' duties are stressful under normal operations, but personnel are now faced with working conditions they may never have imagined seeing.
As PPE and supplies become difficult to find, coworkers get quarantined or become sick, and the reported numbers climb every day, it is very important to make time to destress and take care of your mental (and physical) health.
Big thanks to the Alabama Law Enforcement Alliance for Peer Support and Dr. Tim P. Faulk for creating Stress Management for Emergency Responders Exposed to COVID-19 PDF.
To Download, click below:
Captain Arthur H. Rostron: What Leadership in a Crisis Looks Like
“Are you sure it is the Titanic and requires immediate assistance?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You are absolutely certain?”
“Quite certain.”
“All right, tell him we are coming along as fast as we can.”
The leadership of Captain Arthur H. Rostron in the hours following the sinking of Titanic remain to this day a masterpiece of crisis management.
From the moment Captain Rostron was informed of the distress messages received from Titanic, every order he issued was intended to get to the stricken ship as quickly as possible, all the while preparing his own ship to receive survivors and give them the care they needed.
Years later, his actions on the night of April 14, 1912 were vividly brought to life by author Walter Lord in his classic “A Night to Remember: The Sinking of the Titanic”.
For anyone looking for a source of inspiration or who needs a reminder of what leadership in a crisis looks like, read on:
Excerpt from A Night to Remember:
Captain Arthur H. Rostron
Captain Rostron then rushed into the chart room and worked out the Carpathia’s new course. As he figured and scribbled, he saw the boatswain’s mate pass by, leading a party to scrub down the decks.
Rostron told him to forget the decks and prepare the boats for lowering. The mate gaped. Rostron reassured him, “It’s all right; we’re going to another vessel in distress.”
In a few moments the new course was set—North 52 West. The Carpathia was 58 miles away. At 14 knots she would take four hours to get there. Too long.
Rostron sent for Chief Engineer Johnstone, told him to pour it on—call out the off-duty watch … cut off the heat and hot water … pile every ounce of steam into the boilers.
Next, Rostron sent for First Officer Dean. He told him to knock off all routine work, organize the ship for rescue operations. Specifically, prepare and swing out all boats … rig electric clusters along the ship’s side … open all gangway doors … hook block and line rope in each gangway … rig chair slings for the sick and injured, canvas and bags for hauling up children at every gangway … drop pilot ladders and side ladders at gangways and along the sides … rig cargo nets to help people up … prepare forward derricks (with steam in the winches) to hoist mail and luggage aboard … and have oil handy to pour down the lavatories on both sides of the ship, in case the sea grew rough.
Then he called the ship’s surgeon, Dr. McGhee: collect all the restoratives and stimulants on the ship … set up first-aid stations in each dining saloon … put the Hungarian doctor in charge of Third Class … the Italian doctor in Second … McGhee himself in First.
Now it was Purser Brown’s turn: see that the Chief Steward, the Assistant Purser and himself each covered a different gangway—receive the Titanic’s, passengers … get their names … channel them to the proper dining saloon (depending on class) for medical check.
Finally, another barrage of orders for Chief Steward Harry Hughes: call out every man … prepare coffee for all hands … have soup, coffee, tea, brandy and whisky ready for survivors … pile blankets at every gangway … convert smoking room, lounge and library into dormitories for the rescued … group all the Carpathia’s steerage passengers together, use the space saved for the Titanic’s steerage.
He then sent for the master-at-arms to keep the steerage passengers under control. After all, no one knew how they’d react to being shuffled about.
The ship sprang to life. Down in the engine room it seemed as if everyone had found a shovel and was pouring on the coal. The extra watch tumbled out of their bunks and raced to lend a hand. Most didn’t even wait to dress. Faster and faster the old ship knifed ahead—14 … 14½ … 15 … 16½ … 17 knots.
No one dreamed the Carpathia could drive so hard. In the crew’s quarters a tug at his blanket woke up Steward Robert H. Vaughan. A voice told him to get up and dress. It was pitch-black, but Vaughan could hear his roommates already pulling on their clothes. He asked what was up, and the voice said the Carpathia had hit an iceberg. Vaughan stumbled to the porthole and looked out. The ship was driving ahead, white waves rolling out from her side.
When they reached the deck, an officer put them to work collecting blankets. Then to the First Class dining saloon … now a beehive of men scurrying about, shifting chairs, resetting tables, moving the liquor from the bar to the buffet.
Elsewhere word spread that Captain Rostron wanted 3,000 blankets for “that many extra people.” But nobody knew why. At 1:15 they learned. The stewards were all mustered into the main dining saloon and Chief Steward Hughes announced, “Titanic is sinking. We’re going north like hell”. He explained their duties … paused … then delivered his ending: “Every man to his post and let him do his full duty like a true Englishman.”
Carpathia endured its own hazards that night, dodging icebergs along the entire 58-mile route. Much later Rostron noted that the safety of his crew and passengers, and the survival of any Titanic survivors they might reach, “depended on the sudden turn of the wheel.”
The Carpathia arrived at the distress position at 4:00 a.m., approximately an hour and a half after the Titanic went down, claiming more than 1,500 lives. For the next four and a half hours, the ship took on the 705 survivors of the disaster from Titanic's 20 lifeboats.
Hundreds of wireless messages were sent from Cape Race and other shore stations addressed to Captain Rostron from relatives of Titanic passengers and journalists demanding details in exchange for money. Rostron ordered that no news stories would be transmitted directly to the press. Early on the morning of Tuesday 16 April, Carpathia finally arrived in New York.
For their rescue work, the crew of Carpathia were awarded medals by the survivors. Crew members were awarded bronze medals, officers silver, and Captain Rostron was knighted by King George V, and was later a guest of President Taft at the White House, where he was presented with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honour the United States Congress could confer.
What are the Long-term Benefits of a Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Program?
Chaplain Travis Maclay of the Riverside Police Department (CA) is a current doctoral student pursuing a PhD in Leadership.
Chaplain Travis Maclay
We’ll let Chaplain Travis Maclay take it from here:
I am narrowing the focus of my dissertation topic and am leaning toward a qualitative research analysis on the long-term wellness benefits of a law enforcement agency’s adoption of a chaplain program.
Therefore, maybe the best thing for now is to introduce the bigger research project (see below) and seek any feedback regarding the project as it is being formed.
Specifically, two things would be helpful:
1) Any research studies or key articles that reflect a positive benefit from a chaplaincy program
2) Any feedback, questions or parameters that they feel would be important in conducting the qualitative research to ensure that the results of the research are most effective.
My hope and prayer is that this research could be helpful in the establishment of many new chaplain programs around the country in the years to come.
Please respond in the Comment section below.
Chaplain Travis Maclay can also be reached at travismaclay@gmail.com
Chaplain Travis Maclay’s message to the Police Chaplain Coffee Shop Facebook Group, explaining his project:
Good morning from California!
I have had the great benefit of lurking on this forum for a few months and gleaning from the wisdom of many. By way of very brief introduction, I have been a volunteer chaplain with the Riverside Police Department for about six months.
Prior to moving to CA a little over two years ago, I lived in Austin and served as a chaplain with the Austin Police Department for a little over five years. In addition to my full-time job, the roles I play as a husband and father, serving our church, and serving as a volunteer LE chaplain, I also am a student working toward my PhD in leadership.
There is very little spare time these days, and sleep is secondary most days of the week, but I am really enjoying the learning & the discipline that comes from such a rigorous schedule. The primary purpose for my post is to seek feedback from the members of this group.
I have determined that if I am going to successfully spend the next two years doing significant research on a topic, it had better be something that motivates me if I am going to remain engaged in the research. To that end, I believe my research is going to be focused on law enforcement chaplaincy.
More specifically, I am interested in doing a qualitative analysis of the long-term benefits of the adoption of a chaplaincy program by a law enforcement agency. While my focus will be nationwide (US), it will be limited to the US only for this project. I anticipate interviewing 30-45 participants for my research. These interviews will range from LE chaplains to sworn officers to non-sworn personnel and upper administration.
I think I am going to structure the writing as a comparison between departments who do not have a chaplain program, those who have had one for less than 10 years, and those who have had established programs for greater than 10 years. My hope and prayer is that my finished work might serve as a catalyst to compel the leadership of a LE agency to consider the wellness benefits to their officers by implementing a chaplain program.
My two questions for the group ....
1) I would love any feedback you might offer at this point in the process. Any revelatory ideas that come to mind regarding this research project?
2) I am going to rely heavily on research that has already been done in this arena. While I certainly am doing my research homework, I would welcome anything of which you're aware or that you've read that you believe might be of relevance, importance or interest in this area.
If you have interest in keeping up to date on my research or possibly participating as an interviewee, let me know in the comments. I certainly do not plan to hijack this group going forward with frequent posts, but I am happy to keep anyone interested in the loop. You can also reach me by email at travismaclay at gmail dot com.
My many thanks in advance for any interest and feedback. Also, just a heads up, I do plan to cross-post this in a few different Facebook groups dealing with chaplaincy, so my apologies in advance if you are members of those groups and see it multiple times in your feed. Blessings to each of you!
Ways to Show Your Support for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
On January 9th, 2020, partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide will promote National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.).
In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.
On January 9th of each year, we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time on January 9th to show their support.
Citizens can show their support in a number of ways:
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Participate in Project Blue Light - Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers.
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
• Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s webpage or social media pages.
• Coordinate and/or participate in a Blue Blood Drive.
Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.
Don't Be A 'Wanna Be': A Police Chaplain’s Guide to Crossing the Police Line
Chaplain Bob Heath Named Chaplain of the Week
CHAPLAIN of the WEEK – BOB HEATH, Chaplain of the Joplin Police department for the past 27 years, an Ozark Christian College graduate 1979, and longtime OCC Bookstore Manager/Purchasing Agent, has been named "Chaplain of the Week."
THE ANNOUNCEMENT came from Dave Fair at ChaplainUSA.org: “We are pleased to announce this week's Police Chaplain Coffee Shop Chaplain of the Week is long time Chaplain and friend - Chaplain BOB HEATH. Bob is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains having serving in several positions and presently the ICPC Treasurer/CFO.”
DAVE continued, “I know first hand, having served and worked with you, that you are a highly skilled and capable Police Chaplain. Sprinkle that with our love and compassion, and you are a Great Police Chaplain. I am proud to call our friend. Bob is a personal friend and mentor. Congratulations Bob, we are pleased to be awarding you this outstanding honor.”
Police Chaplain Coffee Shop is a Facebook Group for police chaplains, and retired police chaplains to share experiences and to recharge.
BOB began his work at OCC in 1976 and is the preaching minister at Diamond Grove Christian Church. In the past he has helped with the North Joplin Christian Church and Villa Heights Christian Church.
HEATHER and I are well acquainted with Bob and he is certainly a fine Christian gentleman. He is kind and helpful and a real asset to OCC and the Joplin Police Department.
DO OFFER YOUR CONGRATS TO BOB for this HONOR and for his work as Joplin Police Chaplain, his work at OCC and in local churches.
