Collegedale Police Chaplain Program Introduced At Collegedale Academy

Thursday morning Assistant Chief Jamie Heath and Chaplain Mary Gangl spoke with the high school students at Collegedale Academy.

Pastor LeClare Litchfield, a popular spiritual mentor on campus, invited the two onto the school’s stage to introduce the agency’s chaplain program and to show students how chaplains serve the community.

Chaplain Mary discussed how chaplains help officers and community members deal with trauma, and shared how she had been called to a life of service.

Assistant Chief Heath shared how trauma has affected him during his years of service and the importance of having programs like this that are designed to help everyone, not just law enforcement.

The students were challenged to consider a life of service and were encouraged to reach out and
talk with a chaplain or counselor when life gets tough.

“I’m so proud of the great work our chaplains and officers are doing,” said Chief Jack Sapp.
“Partnerships with our schools and building relationships with our city’s youth through our
Chaplain Program is another example of how this agency is continuing to find new ways to be
involved in our community.”