Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 3 2018
“QUOTE OF THE QUARTER”
“Oh, so I see the Captainis out with the lower ranks tonight.” (my shirt reads Chaplain) I say – Everybody needs to get out sometime.
Unusual Calls:
As a law enforcement chaplain, I am exposed to plenty of interesting situations involving a spectrum of individuals. Take a look.
This driver “fell asleep” one afternoon and ran through the closed end of a “T” intersection directly into a barrier keeping her from entering a bridge construction site. The concrete barrier activated her airbag and provided her with a powdered wakeup slap in the face that would not be forgotten soon. Could have been worse.
This man, who couldn’t get what he wanted from the clerk in the Police Department lobby, threw a tantrum. His actions summoned our attention. We found him in the Police Department restroom where he was still actively throwing his fit while “showering off” at the sink. Not the best location to act out when you are angry and high. Transportation was provided for him to a secure area where he could cool down and work on his behavior.
Finishing it off with this photo of an extensive minivan trunk bong collection. I guess he wanted to keep his favorites with him in case he got an invite to a party.
Regional Police Explorer Training
I was invited by my friend David to join him in presenting at the annual Regional Police Explorer weeklong Academy. The training was attended by a few hundred law enforcement interested teens. I listened to his terrific presentation of his critical incident last year and heard for the first time his full perspective of the ordeal.
I also had 25 minutes to share my memories of the incident, including my role and duties as a chaplain while riding along. I stressed the need for self-care and for the students to stay alert to the mental/emotional state of their fellow classmates after something traumatic, in case they may have some after affects. The team from CVPD did an amazing job planning and executing the extensive training.
Epidemic Levels:
Police calls involving mental health issues.
Our law enforcement spends more and more time daily addressing mental health issues throughout the community. Each call is unique and requires copious attention to detail and the needs of the citizen. Sometimes, for the safety of themselves or others, police are required by law to place individuals into their custody and transport them to local facilities, where professional staff can further evaluate and even “hold” them for care. On those days, it’s nice to be able to enjoy a sunset and start the work of recalibrating ourselves on the way to the County Mental Health building. #smallthingsmatter
Sometimes, a Chick-fil-A (CFA) iced coffee is all you need to make an afternoon better.
Sometimes we need a full spread to feed the troops. A special thanks to the National City Clergy Association and CFA Eastlake Terraces for working together to get it done.
In Conclusion
It is an honor to serve as chaplain for the police departments in my community. Hanging out with the men and women of law enforcement and providing support through conversation, training, and encouragement is what I consider a win every day. Thank you for your ongoing generosity to me and the ministry of Code 7.
“There is nothing in your life God has blessed you with, that He doesn’t intend you to share with others.” ~ James Grogan
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. James 3:17-18
Blessings,
Wes Anderson
Executive Director ~ Code 7
“You are not here to save the world, but you are here to touch the hands that are within your reach”~ Kathleen Price