December 23, 2012 Volume 1 Issue 2
A great big THANK YOU to those who have sent encouraging emails, Facebook posts, and cards in support of CODE 7! This letter is a more detailed explanation of the ministry of CODE 7.
CODE 7 is the police code for taking a pause to go ”Out of Service” to eat or take a break. My goal is to continue developing relationships with the officers by providing a support system. Through weekly ride alongs and CODE 7 breaks, officers are given a moment to rest, reflect, and renew.
God has raised me up for this opportunity by giving me favor with the CV Police Department. As Chaplain I have been granted full access to department personnel, which gives me the ability to speak into their lives at the appointed times. I have served for six years with the Citizens’ Adversity Support Team (CAST); through that service I have responded to the scene of more than 120 death and trauma calls supporting the citizens in crisis and the police. These interactions on street corners, in houses, and in hospital rooms have equipped me and earned me the right to develop relationships in the law enforcement circle by providing services for them and to them.
Ride alongs put me in the “office” of patrol officers all day. I have logged over 100 separate ride alongs. Currently, I spend two 10-hour shifts each week in a patrol car with officers and part of another day passing slowly through the halls making myself visible and available to lend an ear to the detectives, dispatchers, and administrative staff. I desire to continue being available to the officers by impacting them through non-religious actions and waiting for opportunities to speak into their lives.
Through CODE 7 I will provide consistent support throughout the careers of the law enforcement personnel and bring hope into their lives and their workplace. It is a formidable challenge, but I believe God has prepared me for such a time as this.
Thank you for partnering with me prayerfully and financially. With your support CODE 7 will continue walking through open doors imparting the love of Jesus while encouraging officers during their shifts and CODE 7 breaks where moments of rest, reflection, and renewal can happen. In the next update, I will write about “A Day in the Life of a Chaplain” and give you an even deeper understanding of CODE 7.
Blessings,
Wes Anderson