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Chaplain
The Wadena County Sheriff's Department initiated its Chaplaincy program in March of 2007, bringing in Tim Sherman to be the Field Chaplain. Chaplain Sherman has several years of law enforcement experience, having served as both a full-time and part-time officer in southern California from the late 1970's to the late 1980's. His service with the Wadena County Sheriff's Department is entirely voluntary and focuses primarily on serving the sworn personnel of the department in any field situation or personal need. Tim is also the Field Chaplain with several other Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments. The functions and abilities of our Field Chaplain are many and may be requested by the Sheriff at any time:
Administrative
· Upon specific invitation by the Sheriff, the Field Chaplain can participate in ceremonial functions or represent the Sheriff at civic events, awards events, promotions, or weddings, participate in shooting review boards, oral interview boards, or other internal administrative functions, officiate or otherwise participate in funerals as requested.
Confidential Guidance and Advice
· Upon specific invitation, the Field Chaplain can provide Biblical guidance and advice in a confidential setting for Officers or their family members in order to reduce stress, deal with personal needs or problems, or to provide support in a time of physical, emotional, or spiritual family crisis. He is available to offer support and comfort when an officer is sick, injured, or killed; conduct Critical Incident Stress Debriefings at the request of administration or individual officers.
Instruction
· The Field Chaplain can provide instruction, when invited, in matters of ethics, integrity, or other special topics, cross-train Officers in areas of specialized training which he may have been specifically trained and certified.
Liaison to Religious Leaders
· When requested by the Sheriff, the Field Chaplain can also serve as a liaison between the department and local religious leaders of the community.
Field Assistance
The Field Chaplain is often able to minister to victims of auto accidents, crime, and disasters as they occur, often resulting in a quicker return of the officer to his patrol duties. Such situations may include:
· Death Notifications · Suicide Intervention · Grief Support · Family Crisis Support · Domestic Disputes · Juvenile/Child Abuse Situations · Substance Abuse Treatment
· SWAT Team Hostage and Crisis Negotiations · Victim Assistance · Disaster Response · Search and Rescue · Other situations as identified by Sworn Personnel or Administration.
Ride Alongs/Training
· The Field Chaplain rides with officers regularly in order to form relationship of trust and respect.
· He may also associate with officers in a variety of contexts such as roll call, social events, debriefings, and training exercises.
Community Referral
· The Field Chaplain can refer citizens to community agencies for assistance and/or follow up; assist in coordinating and planning community-wide awareness and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day events.
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