Law Enforcement chaplains train to help people in the worst moments

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – One of the hardest jobs anyone can have is serving as a chaplain for a law enforcement agency and today at Hillvue Heights Church, some chaplains got together to practice and discuss the best ways to help people during the most difficult times.

Ideas were shared and guest speakers, like Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower, shared their ideas and spoke about the importance of the work they do. Chaplains are usually present during the worst times in someone’s life so making sure they say and do the right things is of paramount importance.

“Refresher training is really important. We want to make sure that our knives are sharp. You know, we want to make sure that we are as prepared as humanly possible for that moment to talk to somebody in the community at that person’s worst moment” said volunteer chaplain Sarah Jane Zink.

Law enforcement chaplains have a incredibly important job, that not only impacts those receiving the bad news but also the deputies who may have been on the scene or accompany the chaplain to the family’s residence.

“our deputies, our officers, etc., they have a very important job to do. And I think what we offer them is relief in the sense so they’re able to focus on the law enforcement side, their responsibilities, investigating, etc.. And while we’re able to provide the pastoral care that those families need in that moment” said chaplain with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office John C. Lee Jr.

Chaplain Lee says, it’s a calling that not everyone is called to do, so they put their faith in the higher power and hold trainings like this to prepare to help those who could be experiencing the worst day of their life.