08/23/2026
These last two weeks have been a whirlwind, three weeks actually, so let’s go!
First I’m going to start with Chaplain Stan who is an absolutely amazing man who brings so much to this department. I’m sure most people have heard of the efforts to bring first responder mental health out of the dark ages and make getting help when help is needed normal. Ya’ know what’s hard when you’re a cop? Asking for help and that’s across the board. There are issues of mistrust in a system of care givers, privacy, the constant ‘will this be used against me in court’ challenges, right down to trying to find the right place. Well, I can go on and on about that subject but won’t, except to say that when Stan approached me about becoming the department chaplain four years ago he sold me when he said the position was looking inward. Some are aware that we call chaplains to the scenes of serious injury or fatalities so they can provide support and comfort to the victim and victim families. What Chaplain Stan brings is that same comfort and an ear for our officers at and after those ugly scenes, or just whenever. This week was his birthday too so when you see him and his signature cowboy hat, don’t be afraid to say hello. You’ll see in the photos he’s not hard to identify.
Two student officers are working their way through the academies they’re attending and we look forward to seeing them back home and getting to the hard work of in-house field training.
Take a look at the photos and the captions, I’ve spent some time there with the details.
Remember though, take the time for you, while it’s still August and we still have at least a month of reasonable weather, as they said in that great series from a few years back ‘Winter is coming’. Or in SPD, “Winter’s a comin’ ma’”. Get out there, go for a walk, go for a hike, go for a bike ride, just go do something. Hurricane Trail at Hurricane Ridge is calling my name this weekend, crappy cloud cover or not. Take the breath, slow down, calm yourself and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll pet that dog or cat.
Standby for a community BBQ event notice!!!!
As always, if you have any questions please contact me.
- Chief
