“I have served, and will be of service.”
A line from John Wick 3 resonated with me all week as I accepted the position of chaplain for the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 009. It is a strange quote from a super assassin from a graphic novel, but I love it. From the ones who really “protect and serve,” police officers and security professionals face real world dangers. The current culture has multiplied this fact. The threat to police officers has expanded from the clearly recognized threats of an armed assailant, a dangerous traffic stop, a vehicle crash, or an underlying health issue, to the threats posed by the bully pulpit of social media. I have served my country on more than one occasion starting with the Marine Corps, as a government employee, as a federal police officer, and as Christian pastor, and understand.
Some forget that solving problems, communicating, and thinking critically during adverse situations is also a police officer’s job. It’s harder when in constant crisis mode, or having to defend ones actions by everyone. I hope to serve as the go-to-guy to help the municipal officers of FOP Lodge 009, my community, families of police officers, law enforcement personnel.
Recruitment of people willing to take this abuse is getting tougher every week. Maintaining the stamina, mental health, and ability to excel at protecting life and property through the enforcement of laws & regulations has equally become harder. As a volunteer chaplain for the lodge, my duties won’t be anywhere as intense as the chaplains in the field have it, that assist in crisis situations, such as homicides, suicides, barricades and hostage situations, but I will be ready to serve when called upon. The reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once said,
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
I’m on it. Serve.
Unfortunately, this new position doesn’t mean I can get you out of a speeding ticket or prevent you from arrest. The position as chaplain won’t make me any money from preaching to law enforcement. This terrific new position won’t give me the inside track to getting you a concealed carry permit in the State of Maryland.
I am continuing to grow my micro business of repairing, restringing and refurbishing electric guitars and basses at https://guitarcare.co. Let me know if I can serve you.