Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains (previously known as the Rogue Valley Chaplain’s Association and Douglas Coos Chaplains) started in 2009, born out a need for a regional chaplaincy presence in Southern Oregon. We have grown to over 50 Chaplains and are serving in 5 counties in Southern and Southwestern Oregon. All our Chaplain’s programs are part of Chaplaincy Solutions the 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Public Safety Chaplains serve as Police, Sheriff, Fire, Dispatch and EMS Chaplains throughout the Southern Oregon. At the present, they are serving first responders, staff and their families in several departments. Public Safety Chaplains are also available on a 24/7 basis to assist first responders with community members in crisis situations. These Chaplains serve as spiritual counselors, and are also trained in Critical Incident Stress Management and Psychological and Spiritual First Aid. As spiritual counselors, they do not replace the spiritual leaders of the person being served but are a supplement and a bridge to the spiritual leader in time of extreme crisis. The first goal of the Public Safety Chaplain is to tend to the spiritual, emotional and practical needs of the first responders and their families. While serving agencies in the community, their service extends to the community members affected by a critical incident. Most Public Safety Chaplains are involved in death notifications, on scene crisis intervention and other measures to support the community members who are in the grips of a traumatic event.

The Community Chaplains are the key component to successful ministry in the communities we serve through there support of Public Safety Agencies. As Public Safely Chaplains minister to community members, in the midst of a traumatic event, the Community Chaplains come alongside and take over the day-to-day ministry continuation for the community member. This could be for a week or two or for a few months, while a person or families recover from a traumatic event.

Community Chaplains will also respond to assist the community in the case of a disaster. They will be available to serve under the direction of the Public Safety Chaplain under the direction of Law Enforcement, Fire or Emergency Management personnel. This could be support at a shelter, assisting with notifications, support at a triage center, feeding or whatever service is necessary in a disaster.