Chaplain Services

"Law Enforcement and Chaplains Working Together to Provide Comfort in Time of Personal Crisis"

About the Program

The Sheriff's Office had an informal Chaplaincy program in previous years; in November 2006, a formal Chaplaincy Initiative was formed. The Cass County Sheriff's Office Chaplaincy Initiative began in 2006 with a core group of dedicated clergy members and law enforcement personnel from all areas of Cass County. Over the years, we have had new chaplains join and treasured Chaplains move out of Cass County; however, one constant remains - dedicated chaplains with a calling to provide assistance in crisis situations.

The purpose of the Cass County Sheriff's Office Chaplaincy Initiative is to provide networking and collaboration between law enforcement and clergy members in identifying needs and providing advocacy, support and assistance to members of the community and staff, as needed.

The Chaplains are here to serve community members in times of crisis situations. They are not intended, nor do they wish, to replace an individual's clergyperson.

Back row (Left to Right): Bill Ness, Michael Small, Tristan Borland, Mark Widman
Front row (Left to Right): Lisa Jordan, Lynn Strandt, Marcy Braman, Sheriff Tom Burch, Dawn Lundgren, Judy Gustafson, Wilma Griffin
Not pictured: David Anderson, Fr. Keith Bertram, Mearle Griffith, Rose Marie, Brian Swedburg, Pauline Fahey (taking picture)

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Chaplaincy Initiative is:

• To assist Cass County law enforcement and the people of Cass County through a field service ministry.
• To provide guidance, counseling and comfort in times of crisis to the people of Cass County. The chaplain should be able to put people in contact with the appropriate agencies to assist them.
• To provide spiritual guidance and counseling to all members of the Cass County Sheriff's Office, both sworn and civilian, and their families in time of need.
• To provide the services of a chaplain on a twenty-four hour, seven day a week basis at the request of the Cass County Sheriff's Office or its employees, the chaplain will seek to bring comfort and consolation to persons involved in crisis situations.

All chaplains serve at the discretion of the Cass County Sheriff's Office.

What to Expect

• What can you expect if a chaplain is contacted for an emergency situation?
• A chaplain is there to serve in a spiritual capacity in time of crisis.
• A chaplain will provide the best care, counsel and comfort they are able to the victims and family members involved in a crisis situation.
• A chaplain will attempt to contact the individual's pastor/congregation when requested.
• A chaplain will provide future pastoral support for those who desire it.

What Do Chaplains Do?

A chaplain participates in a minimum of 24 hours of ride-alongs per year, along with a yearly mandatory training and monthly meetings.

Chaplains respond to emergency call-outs on a rotational basis.

What Type of Incidents Can Chaplains Respond To?

A chaplain can be used in any time of crisis and/or personal stress. These would include serious injuries, deaths, death notifications, search and rescues, abusive situations, etc.

Annual Trainings

The Cass County Sheriff's office Chaplaincy Initiative sponsors an annual training in January of each year to provide training to our current chaplains and clergy who may be interested in joining our Chaplaincy program. The trainings also provide for an opportunity for chaplains and law enforcement to interact while enhancing needed skills for crisis situations.

Current Chaplains