CHAPLAINS' PROGRAM

The Chaplains’ Program of the Alvin Police Department initiated with the insight and direction of Chief Mike Merkel.  This volunteer program started in December, 2003 and was officially organized in January, 2004.  It has developed into a service opportunity that contributes to the social and spiritual wellbeing of the citizens of Alvin and the surrounding areas.

Purpose Statement:

• To provide support and ministerial services for the members of the Alvin Police Department, their immediate family members, volunteers, and retired members of the Department in times of injury, illness, and death of loved ones.
• To provide spiritual support to individuals and families during death notifications, police-related critical incidents needing ministerial support as well as provide a visitation program for prisoners.

Detective Sergeant Chad Fontenot supervises nine chaplains, most of whom have been serving since the beginning of the program.  They are: Bruce Peterson, senior chaplain; Dana Carson; Jim Flagg; Lazarus Gonzales, Vangie Gonzales; Bob Kacz; Darren Shelton; Mike Waites; and Brent Weldon.   They represent various denominations and ethnic backgrounds.

Each Chaplain goes through an application and interview process which requires endorsements from the churches they serve and from their denominations.   Before their volunteer service can begin, the chaplains are required to receive training in the APD Citizens Police Academy.  The culmination of the process is the approval of the Chief of Police.

Participation with the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) is encouraged.  They receive training through National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA).  They also have specialized instruction in areas such as:

• Stress Management
• Death Notification
• Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
• Burn Out for Officers and Chaplains
• Legal Liability and Confidentiality
• Ethics
• Responding to a Crisis Situation
• Law Enforcement Family
• Substance Abuse
• Suicide
• Officer Injury or Death
• Sensitivity and Diversity

Contact Sgt. Chad Fontenot today
Phone: 281-388-4370

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1500 South Gordon  Alvin Texas 77511