MPD looking for chaplains among local clergy

Maricopa Police Chief Patrick Melvin knows the advantages of having law enforcement chaplains to aid citizens or police officers in times of grief or extreme stress.

Melvin, who has often stated his belief in community policing, knows that citizens need comfort, prayer and guidance in times of unexpected death or as victims of either violent crime or domestic disputes.

Likewise police officers, who often experience extremely upsetting, work-related experiences, need to be able to get rid of stress and not take it home to their spouses and families.

Local Pastor Rusty Akers from Community of Hope Church is the Maricopa Fire chaplain, and Pastor Chris Ward of Calvary Chapel is one of eight chaplains ministering in the county through the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

Now that Maricopa has its own police force, the department needs a chaplaincy program also. Melvin’s goal is to have clergy members on call 24/7, but not just one individual. He is looking to create a team of clergy members from different faiths.

A 6 p.m. meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Global Water Resources facility on Powers Parkway for interested members of the Maricopa clergy to meet with the MPD.

Clergy members may attend this meeting or call the MPD at (520) 568-9098 for further information.

Photo by Aaron Thacker