Pastors and lay people volunteer to assist Nappanee Department officers in a number of ways, most noticeably when notifications must be made to family when a traffic crash or criminal incident has resulted in a fatality. These trained, ecumenically diverse professionals also help officers cope with stress during critical, emergency situations.

 

Pastor Terry Tyler of Nappanee First Presbyterian Church is our head Chaplain.

 

To participate in the program, chaplains must have five years of ministry experience and have the endorsement of their church or congregation. Participants must be compassionate and considerate to people of all beliefs, and have flexibility in their schedules to accommodate an on-call status. Chaplains must join the International Conference of Police Chaplains, and the department supports the volunteer group by covering the costs associated with memberships and training.

 

Chaplains also are relied upon to give assistance to employees at times when personal, family or medical issues are becoming stressful.