Law enforcement chaplain helps officers
By KATIE WILLIAMS Messenger staff writerOne Fort Dodge pastor just wanted to support the men and women who risk their lives every day for others.
The Rev. Al Henderson, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, said he admired the citizens who don badges and uniforms to protect and serve. He said he just wanted to do something for them in return.
''It's one of the most difficult occupations out there,'' Henderson said. ''They deserve our support.''
So he volunteered to become a law enforcement chaplain in 2007. The Fort Dodge Police Department had been without a chaplain for almost three years before he asked about it, Henderson said.
And since he started, he has loved every minute of it, Henderson said.
''I think it's the purest form of ministry,'' Henderson said. ''No budget, no money, no board to answer to. You just get in the cruiser and go.''
He said he spends two to four hours a week riding with the Fort Dodge Police Department to get to know the officers and their lives.
''It's important to enter their culture and experience their days and nights to get a handle on what their life is like,'' said Henderson. ''That way I'm not a stranger saying 'open up your heart and bleed to me.'''
It's all about building a trusting environment so the officers feel comfortable bringing their concerns and problems to him, he said. And in order to do that he said he needs to experience their concerns and problems firsthand.
''The intention is to be there for the officers,'' said Henderson. ''I'm a safe place where they can vent, complain and share their frustrations.''
His firsthand experience sometimes means he is there for the victims of crimes as well as the officers.
''One young woman had just gotten her license and was involved in her first accident,'' Henderson said. ''Her parents were on their way and I just offered a little comfort while the officer took the report.''
He said criminals are often embarrassed to see him, but he offers what life lessons he can when he visits them in jail the next day after a ride along.
Henderson recently went with the Webster County Sheriff's Department to inform a family of a death, said Chief Deputy Jim O'Brien, Webster County Sheriff's Department.
''Death notices are always difficult for law enforcement officers,'' said O'Brien. ''He's a real blessing.''
Professional or personal matters, Henderson listens to it all, said Assistant Police Chief Kevin Doty, Fort Dodge Police Department.
''He has never turned down a call,'' said Doty. ''He's a good listener and sometimes it takes someone listening to see problems in a different light.''
Henderson said each problem is different, just like the officers.
''Everyone has an idea of what the stereotypical police officer is, but there is no cookie cutter for them,'' he said. ''Each one is different and deals with problems according to who they are.''
So he spends time with each one to get to know them, he said.
''We're getting there,'' Henderson said. ''I'm hoping that we will reach the point that when I ask them how they're doing they'll be honest with me.''
Every time he gets into a cruiser with an officer he said he hopes they just remember: ''I'm your friend for Jesus' sake.''
Contact Katie Williams at (515) 573-2141 or katie@messengernews.net
