Sierra Law Enforcement Chaplaincy exists to serve first responders in El Dorado County, including all members of the Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue. Their goal is to add value and provide emotional and spiritual support to the members of each agency, so they may thrive under the demands of their jobs as they serve the citizens of El Dorado County.
Chaplains join on ride alongs with deputies, respond to call out requests at all hours, provide Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD), provide PTSD support, counseling and peer advice to deputies, correctional officers, administration, support service staff, SAR volunteers and families of law enforcement. Chaplains also participate in the Every 15 Minute programs at local high schools, attend welcome ceremonies for new employees and serve at other affiliated events.
A chaplain's arrival on scene is typically greeted with a look of relief in a deputy’s eyes as chaplains can take charge of emotional family members, lifting that responsibility from the deputy’s shoulders allowing them to process the scene and do the tasks their jobs requires to serve our citizens well.
In 2018, chaplains responded to 75 callout requests where a chaplain was needed to help a family cope with the death of a loved one. Chaplains participated in the 2018 SAREX training in South Lake Tahoe then responded to the Camp Fire in Butte County with the Sheriff's Office SAR team. Chaplains offered CISD to the SAR teams upon their return from the fire site. Chaplains also provided CISDs to staff at the jail after some stressful situations.
Their goal is to offer care, comfort and hope while allowing people to make sense of their experiences in stressful situations and disasters. This enables them to return to work and their families quickly and with less lingering effects from the situations. Chaplains also officiate funerals and weddings for law enforcement families, as well as members of the community. They consider it an honor to serve first responders and the citizens of El Dorado County.
Our primary mission is to respond to the needs of peace officers and additionally respond to crises in the community. We do this 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We respond to calls for assistance with suicide prevention, death notifications and counseling.
Sierra Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
- No One Walks Alone -
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Special Programs & Services