Sir: I really enjoyed reading Bruce Corcoran’s piece “Police officers just part of the C-K family,” in the Aug. 13 Chatham Voice.
I agree with him. I have had excellent relations with C-K police officers and even once had occasion to write to the former chief asking for a constable to be commended.
With all the bad press concerning other police forces, I was impressed when I moved here and saw the large glass atrium at the front of the police station. And I marvelled. Chatham is a safe place, I thought.
Later, when I read Bruce’s article, I was surprised that newly appointed Deputy Chief Jeff Littlewood remembers a time when the jail was filled every weekend. But of course he has been in the Chatham police since 1984. Maybe things were tougher back then.
I have one theory about the excellent relations between police and citizens. It isn’t just the things police do in the community,
But I would like to place a lot of credit with our voluntary police chaplains; ordained ministers who have been selected from various denominations in town.
I don’t know if this is a regular addition to other Canadian police forces. But I do know one of these chaplains. I have known him personally for several years and have found him to be a loving man of God who has been an inspiration to me in my church life. So I can easily surmise what a help he is when it comes to lending a hand in assisting uniformed officers who are conducting death notifications, providing counselling to victims and offering support and counselling to the police service members and their families. He truly observes the Biblical quote, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
And, by the way, he has no idea I’m writing this letter.
My wife and I have known police officers very well. In fact one dear constable in Hamilton even gave Ginny away when we were married. Ginny has family who were police officers. We know how they are often confronted with situations that demoralize and create emotional, mental and spiritual stress to them and their loved ones.
Chatham police chaplains are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week on a rotating basis. They must log countless hours providing outstanding service to the Chatham-Kent Police Service and the community. They are truly an integral part of this police service.
Stephen Beecroft
Chatham
