Police Chaplain

Mission
The police chaplain is appointed by the Chief of Police to be an aid to the Lynnwood police officers and the citizens of Lynnwood, to provide spiritual guidance and counseling and comfort in times of crisis. Without attempting to moralize, evangelize, proselytize or criticize, the police chaplain strives to be a particularly close friend to the officers and citizens of Lynnwood. He also serves as a link for communication between people in crises and their own spiritual advisors.

The police chaplain is aware of the fact that the police officer's job is an extremely difficult one, being constantly in the presence of danger and under constant pressure and tension. Because of this, the police chaplain strives to create such a relationship with the officer that he/she would feel free to turn to him for counsel at any time.

Personnel

Chaplain Dale Schlack

Our chaplain, Dale Schlack, rides frequently with the officers on patrol and is on call at all times to assist in those cases where his counsel and advice might be helpful. Likewise, Chaplain Schlack is available to the officer's family and to all who are associated in any way with the police department.

Activity
The police chaplain makes every effort to be available to listen to the problems and concerns within the department and to share the grief, sorrows, and the joys, both individually and collectively.

The duties of the police chaplain include:

• Being called to the scene of a traumatic incident to provide comfort to victims, families of victims, and officers involved
• Notifying next-of-kin in death or serious injury incidents
• Offer follow-up assistance to victims of crisis
• Furnish referral or resource assistance
• Give confidential counsel to police personnel
• Be available to families of officers in traumatic situations
• Provide personal or family counseling to department personnel and their families
• Help with Critical Incident Stress Debriefing to all first responders
• Training for crisis intervention and participating in defusing and debriefing sessions as requested
• Preside at weddings, funerals, or other religious events as requested by department personnel
• Visit sick or injured department employees
• Conduct invocations at department functions such as awards ceremonies, building and facility dedications, or at any other appropriate event
• Organizing and conducting events designed to enhance morale and well-being of department members and their families
• Fulfilling other functions deemed appropriate or requested by the department