The Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) is launching a police chaplain program to provide emotional and spiritual support to community members and officers during times of crisis.
Four local faith leaders have volunteered to serve as GVPD chaplains. They represent a variety of churches in and around Golden Valley, including Oak Grove Church, Spirit of Hope, Good Shepherd, and the Church of God in Christ.
“There has been a desire here at Golden Valley for a chaplain program for many years,” said Sgt Stacy Lakotas, who is leading the initiative. “This program will allow police to offer a service of care and comfort during a time of need.”
The chaplains have completed applications, background checks, and ride-alongs with officers to better understand police work. They also participated in a series of planning meetings to shape the direction of the program.
In preparation for their roles, the chaplains will complete a two-day training session through the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC).
Once trained, the chaplains will respond to calls for service when requested by victims or others at secured scenes. The goal is to provide a calm, compassionate presence in moments of trauma, loss, or crisis.
Assistant Police Chief Alice White praised the collaborative effort, “The police department has been trying to get the Chaplain program implemented for some time,” she said. “Sergeant Lakotas put in a lot of time and effort to finalize this amazing opportunity for the GVPD and community.”
The department hopes to begin integrating chaplains into active calls later this fall.
From left to right: AC Rudy Perez, CSO Stacy Lakotas, Chaplains Bradley Little, Ben Wittnebel, and Luke Nelson, and AC Alice White