Local chaplains undergo training to continue serving the community
WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – The job of a chaplain is a very difficult one. Usually they only respond to calls during the worst case scenario when somebody loses their life.
But it is that exact reason why local chaplains gathered at the sheriff’s office at Sugar Maple Square to train on how to deliver that dreaded news.
“The training is so important because the work is so personal. There’s no script when you’re going into these situations, and yet you want to be prepared for every situation. People might be, of course, extraordinarily sad. A lot of people are angry. Some people just completely check out. And so we’re just trying to be as prepared as possible,” said Sarah Jane Zink, a chaplain for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Western Kentucky University.
The job is never an easy one. Letting an individual know of someone’s tragic passing is extremely difficult. And oftentimes you never forget the families that you’ve spoken to over the years. But it is the importance of knowing that you were there for those experiencing their worst moments that motivates the chaplains to continue to do their work.
“The fact that you’re able to help people who are in a bad place and and in great grief, you know, I drive through town and and I drive by houses and I’ve been there. I’ve been there and I’ve been there and and remember that I still remember all those situations. But the the bottom line is that we’re there doing our best to help them through a terrible situation” said chaplain Philip Cunningham.
However, the chaplains job is not a calling for everybody, but for those who have felt called to serve in this role. God plays an enormous part in how they continue to serve our community.
“I feel that it’s for God’s place to me because I sure didn’t expect it and I sure didn’t ask for it. But I’m sure guys got me to be to do whatever he’s got me to say and do. And so that’s the bottom line is, you know, when I go to a call, I’m thinking, okay, God, this guy, this call came to me. What am I supposed to do out here? What do you want me to do?” Cunningham said.
In just a few short years. The chaplains role has expanded greatly, going from 2 to 12 chaplains. But the sheriff’s office says they are always looking for more individuals who are looking to serve the community during their darkest days.
Right now, they are in need for a Catholic priest who will be available to deliver last rites to those who need them.
