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.

When Dave died on January 7th, I disconnected from the technologies that so often perplexed him. I took time to visit with his family and reflect on his extraordinary life and our unlikely friendship.

Often it is Police Chaplains who are on the frontlines of Community Engagement.

Police chaplain know how vital a service dog is to the people who depend on them. Chaplains can be educators to the public about the relationship between these wonder companions and the disabled.

Mass shooters overwhelmingly fit a profile. Can we stop them before they commit violence.

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.

To be unhappy enough to end it all, a person must first imagine a condition of greater happiness, then lose hope that the greater happiness can be achieved.

Should police chaplains also be on the police force? Some words of caution from veteran police chaplain Dave Fair.

The FEMA App is the best option to receive emergency alerts and information so that you and your loved ones know what to do before, during and after disasters

Reprinted here by special arrangement with Dr. Scott Silverii, author and retired chief of police.

Chaplains may be our last hope for reclaiming our instinct to connect.