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GLADSTONE -- Gladstone Public Safety recently completed specialized crisis training which included members of the Chaplain/Liaison program alongside downstate first responders.
The participants completed the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training at the Gladstone Public Safety Department from July 27 to 29. Over the course of the three-day training event, participants learned six core elements of crisis management, including assessment and triage of people in crisis, listening skills, individual crisis intervention, informational group processes, interactive group processes, strategic planning, and personal and community resilience.
The goal of the advanced training is to help volunteer chaplains and the department better serve the Gladstone community during emergencies.
The chaplain program is a relatively new addition to local law enforcement, having launched in the spring of 2025. According to Pastor Elisabeth Daniels, four individuals have been welcomed into the volunteer initiative.
Working alongside Public Safety Director Ronald Robinson and Chaplaincy Liaison Officer Ryan Pouliot, the active roster includes Pastor Jon Potes of Grace Church, Pastor Scott Breault of Delta Church, Daniels of First Lutheran Church, and Pastor Rick Lorenson, retired, but not fully. All four have entered into an ongoing on-call arrangement with Gladstone Public Safety.
"Our goal has always been to make this program work for our community and our specific needs," Daniels said. "In the last year, we have participated in ride-alongs with most of our officers. There have been a few traumatic events and deaths that we have helped to address. In this, we have had the opportunity to witness firsthand a group of committed officers who take their work very seriously. We are honored and proud to work with them."
Daniels noted that the integration has already created powerful moments of local connection.
"What I did not expect was the high level of empathy our officers have, which is a point of pride specific to our department," Daniels said. "They protect and serve us as if they were taking care of their own family. The team brings a range of strengths and joys to the work."
As they continue in their volunteer roles, Daniels has emphasized that their efforts are designed strictly to offer an added layer of support to the community, not to proselytize or promote a religious agenda. The chaplains look forward to working closely with local emergency dispatchers and officers as the professional relationship develops.
"Officers are not always called upon in the fun times, but in good times and bad, we are confident that Gladstone Public Safety will show up with care," Daniels added. "As volunteer chaplains, we hope to offer you support in good times and bad."
Residents with questions regarding the program can contact Gladstone Public Safety’s non-emergency line at 906-428-3131.