Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement

This book addresses the dynamics that can transform within a matter of a few years, idealistic and committed law enforcement officers/employees into cynical, angry individuals who begin having difficulties in both the personal and professional aspects of their lives. It points out how law enforcement personnel develop a social perceptual set that can potentially see employees engaging in inappropriate behavior patterns and decision-making that leads to both administrative and can unfortunately in some personnel lead to criminal difficulties.  This is a must read for every chaplain!

To order copies of this book, please click on the link below!

http://emotionalsurvival.com/book_order.htm

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The Differences Between Pastors and Disaster Relief Chaplains

Last month I attended a training seminar on "Disaster Relief Chaplains."  I took the training so I will be better equipment to help in times of disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and mass shootings.  The training was tremendous and from time to time I am going to share some of the important subjects that were covered. I would like to begin by sharing the "Differences between a Pastor and a Disaster Relief Chaplain".  Over the years I have discovered that some believe that pastors and chaplains are the same or they they don't know the difference.  As you read the information below you will see the difference between the two.

A Pastor:

• Ministers to one "set" group of people on a long-term basis.
• Knows the people fairly well or very well.
• Ministers in "ordinary" times.
• Ministers to a group of people who have like or similar religious beliefs.
• Ministers to a group of people who have chosen to be a part of this group.
• Ministers in the context of common cultural identities.
• Given authority by a congregation or ecclesiastical body.

Disaster Relief Chaplain:

• Ministers to people they have never met or do not know very well.
• Ministers to victims who do not call them or choose them.
• Ministers to people who are in crisis when they meet.
• Ministers to a wide variety of cultural and ethnic groups of people.
• Ministers to many different religious traditions
• Ministers to people who do not know "what" a disaster relief chaplain is.
• Given authority by an institution or agency to seek an invitation by victims.

This information is taken from:
The Chaplain Training Manual of the N.A.M.B., SBC

I hope you have found this helpful and have a better idea of what we do from week to week.  Thank you!

Area D Meeting at the Pomona Council Chambers TBA!

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Area D meeting had to be cancelled.  It will be rescheduled in the next coming months.

There will be an Area D Meeting in Pomona for Chaplains, Law Enforcement & First Responders  TBA at the Council Chambers, 505 South Garey. Refreshments will be serve. We have seating enough for 75 people. Please RSVP!

Our speaker will be Chaplain Mike Macintosh who has a deep commitment to the law-enforcement and first-responder communities, Mike serves as a Chaplain for the San Diego Police Department, the Newport Beach Police Department, and the American Red Cross. As a certified trainer through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Mike has facilitated many critical incident stress management debriefings, and has provided training to first responders across the US and in Mexico. Mike also serves as a committee member for the California Commission on Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST).

He will speaking primarily on post-9/11 rescue efforts in New York City and the Sandy Hook shooting. He was dispatched to both incidents.

Mike holds Master of Arts, Master of Religion, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Azusa Pacific Graduate School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University, and the author of several books, including When Your World Falls Apart, drawn from his experiences as a Chaplain responding to the New York World Trade Center disaster.

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Please Sign Up for Updates!

If you are interested in receiving updates about "In Pursuit Ministries of CA", please go to the bottom of any page on the website and follow the instructions. Thank you!

Congratulations!

On April 9th four Pomona officers receive awards from the California Office of Traffic Safety & MADD for their high number of DUI arrests during 2014. Congratulations to Officers Cesar Rivera, Jason Conley, Chris Lewis and Trevor Stevenson.Thank you for a job  well done!

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Chaplain Bob & Jane Keller

 

Room of Grace by John Lynch - Abundant Life International

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfy03PEVUhQ http://www.abundantgraceintl.org

Pomona Police Department Blood Drive

Blood Donor Flyer - Shaun Diamond Jan 2015

Coffee With A Cop

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National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK-0UvwasUc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Friday, January 9, 2015

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In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.

Can you imagine going to work each day and wondering if you'll survive your shift and see your family that night? Most people can't. But in law enforcement, this is a fact of life. Each day 780,000 police officers across our country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. Yet, they go to work anyway. Being a law enforcement officer is not just a job, it is a calling. The pay is low, the hours can be terrible, and there is sometimes little appreciation for what you do. Yet, they do it anyway.

What the public doesn't see is the lengths law enforcement takes to keep our communities safe. On average, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, 50,000 officers are assaulted in the line of duty each year, 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year, and over 300 officers commit suicide each year. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.

Being a law enforcement officer truly is an impossible job. You must be professional, courteous, caring and yet be ready to protect the public at all times. You must be prepared to make life and death decisions at a moment's notice. You take an amazing amount of abuse at times, but have to view this abuse as just "part of the job." You do not have the liberty to express your emotions during many situations.

Law enforcement officers play such an integral part in our society; without them, chaos would reign. Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were in trouble - a car accident, a home invasion, an assault - and you did not have someone to call for help? No matter how much abuse law enforcement takes, they continue to do their job, and do it well. They are the guardians of our way of life and they deserve our support.

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On January 9th, we call our nation's citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given, are encouraged take time on Friday, January 9th to show their support. Support can be shown in a number of ways:

1. Change your profile picture on social media to the image at the beginning of this proposal
2. See a police officer? Thank a police officer
3. Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement
4. Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency
5. Share a positive story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media
6. Ask children in your community write letters in support of law enforcement
7. Participate in Project Blue Light by proudly displaying your blue light in support of law enforcement
8. Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers
9. Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards

If you would like to give a donation to "In Pursuit Ministries of CA," please click on the link below!

http://inpursuitca.com/support/

Funeral Arrangements set for Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond

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Pomona Police OfficerShaun Richard Diamond

1969 - 2014

Law Enforcement Biography:

Los Angeles Police Department 1995 - 2002

Montebello Police Department  2002 - 2003

Pomona Police Department  2006 - 2014

Pomona Police Department History

Officer Shaun Richard Diamond had been a police officer for 16 years and began serving the Pomona community in 2006. Shaun had a passion for working SWAT and served as a member of the Pomona SWAT Team for the past 6 years.  He served as a Field Training Officer and was assigned to the Pomona Downtown District where he worked as a law enforcement Liaison with the local businesses and the community.  Shaun contributed greatly to numerous community events such as the Special Olympics and Tip-A-Cop, including K-9 and SWAT demonstrations for numerous local school children.  Shaun really enjoyed working with children and loved  to tell them about his job while showing them all of the SWAT equipment that the team used.

Shaun Richard Diamond was a model Law Enforcement professional and was truly a wonderful human being with an incredible sense of humor and a beautiful contagious smile.  Shaun will be forever missed by his Pomona PD Family.

The funeral arrangements for Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond are as follows:

Date

Thursday, November 6th at 10:00 AM

Funeral Service Location

Citizens Business Bank Arena

4000 Ontario Center Pkwy., Ontario, CA

Graveside Service (Immediately Following Funeral)

Forest Lawn - Covina Hills

213 Via Verde Dr., Covina, CA

November/December Newsletter

Recently the Pomona Police Department issued a 100 year service anniversary book. This tremendous publication speaks highly about our ministry to the Police Department as stated below: “A Police Chaplain is a volunteer who has the duty of bringing comfort to persons in the field and community, most notably during times that are traumatic in nature. Although there are only two members of our Chaplain Program, Bob and Jane Keller, who go beyond the call of duty to complete the work for the entire department, city and community. Each year is spent responding to dozens of critical incidents in which the calming presence of a Chaplain is beneficial not only to the victims of crime or their families, but the officers on-scene as well.”

 

We have completed radio training and we are patrolling the streets of Pomona to provide the officers any assistance with victims or family members. This will include suicides and homicides.  We will still continue to go on ride-alongs and visit the Station.

Last June we celebrated our 10th year anniversary with the Pomona Police Department.  PTL.

Several months ago Jane was given a reward which enables her to wear the Chaplain uniform of the Pomona Police Department. This reward was given to her for her prior years of service with me. Jane and I work as a team as we are always together on calls, etc. at the Police Department.

We recently installed a new Chaplain, Rex Wolins, for the Pomona Police Department.  He served 15 years as a reserve officer and Chaplain at the Los Angeles County  Sheriff Office. He is already a great asset to our chaplain program.

We are out on DUI checkpoint for the Pomona Police department every month to assist the officers and to offer the "Ministry of Presence."

Recently we attended another graduation at the Orange County Regional Training Academy in Tustin, CA.

Brenda Sutherland just retired after serving Pomona Police Department for 31 years. We all gave her what we call the “Walk of Honor".

The name "In Pursuit Ministries of California" is now protected and we are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit ministry.

We recently upgraded our presentation for the ministry, which is pre-recorded with a who new format.  Once completed, we will upload it into our website.  We let you know when it is completed.

In October, we presented our ministry in two churches:  Continental Baptist Church in Marana, AZ,  Mike Gradwell is the pastor, and Cornerstone Baptist in Sahuarita, AZ, John Leonard is the pastor.  (Great meetings and great fellowship abounded.)  While in Marana we were able to speak to four officers.  We learned they do not have a Chaplain Program and would like to start one.  There may be one person qualified to become their Chaplain from Continental Baptist Church. Pray that opportunity will open.

We scheduled a training seminar on "Death Notifications for Police Officers and active Chaplain.  We have learned recently that police officers do not receive tis type of training in the Academy.  We did not have enough sigh-ups and had to cancel the class.  We are rescheduling the Seminar for June of 2014.  Please pray for a good turn out.

I was invited to give an invocation for the "Salute to the Military" event in El Segundo, CA.  Represented the Commander and the First Sargent, who were unable to attend due to the government shut down.  This gave me an opportunity to represent MEPS to the city leaders of El Segundo, CA. where MEPS is located. We continue to visit the MEPS at least once a week to minister to the staff, recruits and their families.  Many times we get a share the Gospel.  We ordered business cards printed with Psalm 91 to pass out to recruits and parents.  As opportunities permit we pass out copies of the Bible also.

Recently one of our men at the MEPS retired from the Army and I was asked to give the Invocation!

To the best of our knowledge, out of the 65 MEPS throughout the United States, only two MEPS have volunteer civilian chaplains.  One is in Fargo, ND and the one in Los Angeles. Our MEPS is the flagship of the 65 MEPS in the US.  Over 9,000 recruits ship out of our MEPS each year into the Military.  We consider this an honor for us to serve.  Pray this door will continue to stay open!

We continue to ride with the California Highway Patrol and minister to them.  Recently I was asked to give an invocation at the promotional luncheon for Captain Dan Minor, who has been promoted to Assistant Chief and is relocating to Fresno, CA.  Captain Minor opened the opportunity for us to become Chaplains with the CHP.  The CHP does not have an organized Chaplaincy Program.  As far as we know, we are the only Chaplains who ride with the CHP in the entire state of California.  We have a new Captain and pray that he will continue to allow us to be a part of the Santa Fe Springs CHP.  Pray this door will remain open.  We have ridden with the Santa Ana Station and are also seeking the opportunity to ride with the Westminster Station.

I gave the invocation at the Southern California Association Fingerprint Officers in Garden Grove CA. This was a great honor for me. Our Chief Dave Keetle was also there to give a class.

We attended the funeral for Officer Jon S. Coutchie of the Laguna Beach Police Department.  On the evening of Joh's death he was traveling northbound on Pacific Coast Highway in an attempt to locate a vehicle that being driven recklessly.  While looking for the speeding vehicle, Joh was involved in the traffic collision that ended his life.  End of Watch:  September 21, 2013.

The finances we receive from various churches and individual is not enough for us do everything we need to do, but we are thankful for the support we do received.  Here is a list of the churches who support us.

Bible Baptist Church, National City, CA

Calvary Baptist Church, Rio Linda, CA

Calvary Baptist Church, Simi Valley, CA

Freedom's Way Baptist Church, Newhall, CA

Homestead Baptist Church, Cheyenne, WY

Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach, CA

Lighthouse Baptist Church, Los Banos, CA

 LIghthouse Baptist Church, Moreno Valley, CA

Lighthouse Baptist Church, Pomona, CA

Pastor Mike Gradwell, Marana, AZ

Westview Baptist Church, North Charleston, SC.

In closing we want to thank you all for your prayer and financial support.

 

 

 

 

July & August Newsletter, 2014

FALL AND WINTER FESTIVITIES © 1998 PhotoSpin www.powerphotos.com

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Ride Along, Routine?

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One night in early May, Jane and I were out on a routine ride along. Before each ride along we attend the briefing before the officers are dispatched to there assigned beats.

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After the briefing we began our ride along and I stated to the Officer that I wanted to ride, until about midnight and that I needed to get home early that night. He said that would be fine. Each ride along is always a pleasure to ride with the officers and this ride along was no different. We had a number of different calls throughout the night, nothing out of the ordinary. Jane was also out that night riding with a different Officer. The evening was calm and quiet and nothing much going on in the city. Frankly, I like quiet nights because it gives me a chance to talk with the officer with no interruptions as we patrol the beat. About midnight he drove me back to the station. figured the night was ending, and that Jane and I would meet up and go home. After we reached the Stationwe were almost immediately dispatched to a situation where 4 deceased bodies were found in a house. When we arrived at the scene we learned there were three murdered people with a fourth body who had committed sucide. Oh my! As the Officer and I approached the house to go inside, the Corporal on the scene asked me to talk with the family, as I was needed there. He kept me from going inside the house. I am so thankful for that and later I told him so. I sure don’t need that memory. The Corporal pointed me to two family members on the outside perimeter. On my way to the family, I spoke with a Sergeant and a Patrol Officer that gave me a quick debriefing of what happened. The Sergeant asked if I would tell the family members that there were four deceased people in the house. I did hesitate somewhat, feeling the gravity of the situation, but knew my job was to give the death notices and comfort the family. In the back of my mind I was praying, I hope Jane is on her way, I need her to help me with this. Matthew 18:20 states, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” That verse came to mind that night. As I approached the family, I quickly ask the Lord to give me the right words to say. The family’s response was overwhelming as I stood there trying to comfort them. Just after I shared this tragic news, I saw Jane walking up the sidewalk with the Officer she was riding with. Wow! I was so happy to see her. In the eleven years we have done this, she is not only my partner in life, but also my partner as a chaplain’s wife. I’ve said it many times that I could not do what I do without her by my side. I am so thankful for her! We stayed with the family for almost 3 hours trying to comfort them in the most tragic time of their life. Psalms 37:23 states, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Our steps were certainly ordered y the Lord that night. Praise the Lord we could be there to assist the Officers as well as the family members. We did finally make it home that night and got to bed about 5 AM.

A few days later I received a call from one of the family members asking us to tell their children of deaths of their loved ones. The following Saturday we visited the family and learned that the children were already told of the news. There were about 30 family members and friends. By God’s grace, we tried to comfort them and pray for them. Later, the family requested that we attend the viewing. It was very sobering to see three caskets in the front of the room. This was a tragic situation, but I am glad we could be there. I often say that chaplains have the opportunity to go places where a pastor could not go.

This is the not the scene of the accident

The next day on Sunday night after church, we had stopped at our local market to pick up some groceries. On our way home, we were sitting in the left turn lane waiting for the light to change when we heard a bang sound to our right. We saw a vehicle coming with sparks flying out from under it, out of control, about 10 feet in front of us, moving to our left. It then hit a 3 foot flower planter at the gas station, went airborne about 15 feet hitting the awning of the gas station, then dropped onto 2 gas pumps, knocking them off their foundations. The vehice rolled and landed where you see in the photo. We were watching this as it was happening. I thought we were watching a Hollywood movie! I quickly drove our vehicle over to the gasoline station and parked and ran into the station and told the attendant to turn off the pumps. Jane called 911 while I proceeded to see if I could offer any assistance to the people inside the vehicle. There was no response from the occupant of the vehicle. We waited for the first responders and the police. They ere there within minutes! I was asked to give my statement as a witness to what I saw happen to the police officer. He asked me what my occupation is and I stated I ama police chaplain, the Officer was delighted and I gave hi my card.  We learned later that there was only one person in the vehicle.  They were able to get him out and rushed him to the hospital and that he was going to be okay.  What a blessing for us to be chaplains and have the opportunity to help people when they need it the most.

We are excited about introducing our new 7 minute video about In Pursuit Ministries of California and would love for you to watch it.

http://www.vimeo.com/inpursuitca/churchpresentation

Once you open it up you will need to key in the password which is:

ministry.

Please take time to watch it!

Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC

During the month of June we attended our annual FBFI endorser agency’s training held at Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC where I was ordained and served on staff many years. It was great to be back. During this time saw many of our chaplains and received some very intense training. During the meetings Dr. John Vaughn showed the video to all of the chaplains as well as the Board of the FBFI. Many of the those who saw it said it was an excellent video. !

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Many of you know, we have family that lives in South Carolina. While we attended the FBFI Annual Fellowship meetings mentioned above we had the joy of seeing our children. We met with our daughter, Charmaine, and her two children, our grandchildren, our son Nathan and his wife Rochelle and their new 6 month old, our new granddaughter, Isabel, As you can see in the photos, she is beautiful! It was great to seeour family again after almost 4 years.! ! While we were there we stayed at the Barnabas House mission house owned by Rod & Linda Hochmuth, Nathan’s in laws. We thank you Rod and Linda for inviting us to stay. What a blessing! !

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We were also invited to speak at the Westview Baptist Church in North Charleston. Westview Baptist has been supporting us now for over 6 years. Pastor Howell and his wife Mary as well as the church treated us like we were Kings from a far away place. Pastor gave me the whole Sunday to preach and give an update on our ministry including the chance to share our 7 minute video. I hope you will take the time to watch it! They gave us a wonderful love offering to help with our expenses for the trip.

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We have not served at the MEPS, Military Entrance Processing Station in El Segundo since last Fall. We have asked many of you to pray that they might invite us back. When we were in South Carolina I received a call inviting me to perform the invocation for the Change of Command Ceremony on June 25, 2014. While we were there we did ask would it be possible to come back on a regular basis? They stated, they will check into it. They certainly would love to have us back and said many times how much they missed us. Please pray we will be able to return. Our new commander is Lt. Col. Robin Branch-Hoeflein, US Army. Obviously we got to meet her and she is a delightful person. Our former commander is Lt. Col Matthew J. McDivitt, US Marine Corp. We will miss him! His new duty station will be Paris Island, SC.

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Last June we have served as volunteer Chaplains for 11 years at the Police Department. We praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve!

Hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter and please take 7 minutes to watch our new video and don’t forget to pray for us! Thank you!!

Sincerely in Christ, Bob & Jane Keller rejakeller@gmail.com www.inpursuitca.com

P.S

. If you are interested in

inviting us to your church to share the 7 minute video,

please call me at

714.865.9177

. Perhaps we can show it in Sunday School or an evening service.! !

"Daniel Fraembs Memorial"

This album is to honor the memory of Officer Daniel T. Fraembs, Pomona Police Department,  E.O.W. May 11, 1996!

Photos courtesy of Pomona Police Department.

"Amazing Grace"

[audio wma="http://inpursuitca.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/10-Amazing-Grace.wma"][/audio]

Police Officer Daniel Fraembs was shot and killed while checking on three suspicious subjects, two male gang members and a female, in an industrial area.

As Officer Fraembs patted down the first male suspect the second man was able to draw a .45 caliber handgun and shot Officer Fraembs in the face, killing him.

The gang member who shot him was sentenced to death in 1997.

Officer Fraembs was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Pomona Police Department for three years. He is survived by his mother and sister.

The Pomona Police Department invites you...

Open House on May 13, 2014 from 10am-pm.The Pomona Police Department is inviting the community to participate in our Open House. This year's Open House will coincide with National Law Enforcement Week.

Pomona Police personnel will be providing guided tours of the the Police Station to include the Jail, Dispatch Center Records Bureau from 10:00 am-6:00 pm. We will have numerous law enforcement displays from our specialized units such as SWAT, K-9 Unit, Helicopter, Traffic Bureau and School Resource Officers.

Children's fingerprinting will also take place throughout the day by one of our many community partners. The Kiwanis Club of Pomona will be volunteering their time grill hamburgers and hot dogs for purchase. The proceeds will be re-invested back into the community.

Further event details, please contact our Community Programs Unit;

(909) 620-2318 or vince_terrell@ci.pomona.ca.us

Address/Location Pomona Police Department 490 West Mission Boulevard Pomona, CA 91766

Every 15 Minutes!

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On April 3rd we were asked to assist with the "Every 15 Minutes program at Ganesha High School.  Please see below to learn more about this program.

On April 3rd and 4th, the Pomona Police Department presented the "Every 15 Minutes" program at Ganesha High School.  The two-day event is designed to demonstrate the consequence for teenagers exerting poor judgment related to drinking alcohol and driving.

This event is also a reminder that every 15 minutes in America someone loses their life in an alcohol-related traffic collision.  The program focuses on educating high school Juniors and Seniors.  It challenges them to think about driving under the influence, distracted driving, personal safety awareness and their responsibility to make mature decisions when lives are at stake.  The first day of the program includes the "Grim Reaper" entering a classroom every 15 minutes and removing a student.  A police officer will read that student's obituary to fellow classmates.  The student is then a "living dead" reminder to the students left behind.  The first day also includes a mock, fatal traffic collision (please see below) in front of the Ganesha High School and students portray the involved parties.

There is an overnight retreat for the participating students.  The retreat includes education, reflection and team building exercises.  Day two of the program consists of an assembly including a mock funeral procession video footage of the two-day event, guest speakers and the involved students returning to "life".  This program is funded by a grant from the California Highway Patrol as well as a Driver's Safety grant from State Farm Insurance.

We thank PUSD, CHP, LA County Fire, Cole Schaffer Ambulance, State Farm Insurance and all of our other community partners that are supporting this event.

Lt. Eddie Vazquez Patrol Operations

Please see below the slide presentation of this event!

We want to thank Sheri Orellana for taken these photos. 

IF YOU WANT TO BE UNDERSTOOD … LISTEN

If you want to be understood … LISTEN

Chaplain Rex Wolins

Pomona Police Department

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The most important skill sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel can possess is the ability to communicate clearly and non-threateningly to those people whom we encounter everyday. In effect, the attitude we take toward others will be the primary way our community judges the success (or failure) of community-oriented policing. Getting along with others is the philosophical basis as well as the practical application of any community-oriented policing policy. Improving the verbal and non-verbal communication skills of sworn and non-sworn department personnel should be an important consideration.

It is obvious, is it not? The first contact the public has with law enforcement is, most of the time, with the person behind the desk at the station or on a call out. First impressions, at this point, cannot be overestimated. By intentionally assisting the sworn and non-sworn employee to present a non-threatening, non-challenging posture to the public, we have gone a long way toward improving the understanding of the department in the eyes of the community.

Yet, such an apparent truth oftentimes gets lost in the shuffle of everyday administrative and patrol functions. Forgetting such an important fact obviously is not intentional. Rather, it happens because of attitudes and stresses inherent within the law enforcement profession itself. Given the nature of law enforcement, it is built-in to carefully examine and be aware of all persons; what they are wearing as well as general appearance. The stress of this orientation on sworn and non-sworn staff has been widely documented.

Communication theory tells us HOW we say words is just as important as the words themselves! Moreover, the body language we use, coupled with the words we say, cause persons to react either positively or negatively towards us. When persons come into contact with law enforcement, for whatever reason, it is an anxiety producing experience. We in law enforcement should do all we can to minimize as much stress as we can in those with whom we come in contact

There is a way in which respect for the individual can be maintained as well as the integrity of the department employee. The way to accomplish this is by teach

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ing active and positive communication skills to department personnel. Every sworn and non-sworn employee needs to know those skills that diffuse tension and calm those with whom we come in contact. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger....Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.   Proverbs 15:1,12:25

Instead of only reacting to the anxious or defensive individual, we need to know the techniques and skills that can dilute and calm the potentially explosive situation.

For the sworn and non-sworn employee, this means staying calm and controlling our attitudes and emotions towards people in stressful situations. If the individual is demanding or haughty, personnel should be taught to stay in control of their feelings and not react in kind. Our purpose is not to respond negatively, but to make sure WE don't return spite for spite and make the situation worse.

This does not mean a milquetoast approach in dealing with the public. It DOES mean that, by being aware of what “pushes our buttons”, we are in a better position to control and dissolve any tension instead of adding to it.

Secondly, the sworn and non-sworn employee should be instructed as to the importance of “body language” in communication. The posture of the employee says more than words to the public. This is the dimension of professionalism sought by any organization; a capable and efficient manner of doing business that soothes and eases anxiety. It is not an external bravado that seeks to intimidate or control. Persons who are nervous, for whatever reason, tend to focus on non-verbal signals. The tone of the voice, the volume used in speaking and the speed or cadence of the words influence how the public receives the message of the law enforcement employee. If we improve not only what we say but how we say it, situations which could be explosive can be defused.

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This calling that we in the department, sworn and un-sworn have said yes to comes with a lot of baggage, how we handle it for the most part depends on the tools we have and how we choose to use them. A good look through the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament reveals to us some great tools of wisdom for handling those stressful times when we hold the key to letting a situation explode or defuse it.

“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.”

- Proverbs 23:12

Be Safe

OFFICER SAFTY, OFFICER SAFTY, OFFICER SAFTY

Chief Paul Capraro's Swear In Ceremony!

Congratulations to Paul Capraro as our new Chief of the Pomona Police Department, Pomona, CA!

Photo's taken by Mr. Tony Nguyen of the Pomona Police Department and Jeff Schenkel of Pomona's only community newspaper.

Pomona Police Officer Timothy Dorn Academy Graduation!

Officer Timothy Dorn graduated from Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, Class of 208, on January 16, 2014.  We of the Pomona Police Department want to congratulate him for this tremendous achievement.

The Academy is 26 weeks and is one of the most challenging in the nation.  Their goal is provide the graduates with the skill and character that will help them succeed during a lifetime of law enforcement.

Pomona Police Department wants to welcome Officer Dorn as one of our newest officers in the Department.

Photo's taken by Tony Nguyen of the Pomona Police Department.

A Letter from Police Chaplain Fred Henzler

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"I was asked to be at the retirement dinner for a Perry Police Officer who is retiring after 40 years of service.  That seem like such a long time until I realized that when we came with the police department, he had only been there 27 years.  He was the first black officer that was ever hired.  He and his wife became dear friends to us.  Judging from the turnout of nearly 200 people, I'm sure he was a friend to many.  The City Council, the Mayor, the County Commissioners, the Perry Police Chief and the past Chief, the Houston County Sheriff, many officers, deputies, state patrol and firefighters were all there.  I think that most everyone was especially kind to me because of the passing of my wife Marie.  Both the former Chief of Police and the Sheriff spent a good deal of time with me.  I was blessed to have had all the wonderful and amusing stories about my friend.

During the brief time of three years that we were with the police department we saw a mini revival.  One of our officers, who was shot in a shootout accepted Christ as his Savior.  We had little to do with this except to encourage him to start reading his Bible.  Both his wife and his sister-in-law had been praying for him for years.  Two Christian Officers really started living for the Lord. A female officer really started living for the Lord.  A female officer left the department in order to go to Bible College.  Two other officers decided to leave so that they could spend more time with their families and be in church every Sunday.  We were thrilled but I don't think the Chief was very happy.  He usually was not at the roll call but he came in just in time to hear another officer say, "I'm leaving."  When someone asked what are you going to do, he said, "Preach."  The Chief gave me a strange look.  The officer, a Christian was just joking.  He needed more time for his business.  A couple was there yesterday but I did not recognize them.  They seem to know all of the other officers and their wives.  The officer that was joking about preaching had changed in the last 10 years and had a handlebar mustache and I did not recognize him.  In fact, I have not laughed so much since Marie went into the hospital.

The Henzlers

Thanks to many of you who knew I was discouraged and needed encouragement."

Please pray for Chaplain Henzler due to the fact his wife Marie went home to be with the Lord recently!