A Time for Reflection

Hi Everyone,

I am writing this last blog in Police Chaplains Today because my ties to the wonderful community of policing is over. Not by choice but I can explain that next time we see one another face to face. It has been an absolute pleasure serving men and women who are seldom appreciated these days, despite the fact they put their own lives at risk each and every day they are on our streets.

I just had a book published last week that talks about my life and how God was involved in so many aspects of it, even when I wasn't aware of it at the time. I am trusting this is one of those moments again because it doesn't feel quite right from my perspective.

Toronto Police Service has been really good to me over the years. They trusted me to speak into the lives of their men and women even though I was not a cop. I call policing a "gated community" because they don't let just anyone in. I remember the early years before I was even serving as a Chaplain, playing goal each Tuesday and Thursday morning at 6:00am with a bunch of cops at the old Maple Leaf Gardens. It was also the year our first son was born. Being a goalie served me well over the years as it helped build relationships within various divisions, because cops talk and many knew that this Chaplain was a goalie.

Wearing a TPS uniform was an honour but occasionally it did cause confusion. Being the oldest guy in uniform often had civilians coming up to me at calls because they thought I was the "senior" officer. I was often heard saying, "I'm just the Chaplain", which was usually greeted with a confused look. The Toronto Police Association was also very kind to me, even sending me a nice gift as I recovered at home after heart surgery. 

There were the difficult moments as well. Being the only Chaplain present for debriefs after the Yonge Street van attack in 2018. Being the only Chaplain present at the murder scene of Constable Hong in 2022 and then spending time at Traffic Services the next day and marching next to them on the day of his funeral. It ended up being my final official duty as a TPS Chaplain aside from a few ride alongs because two months later we were moving to Cochrane, Alberta.

I had a cup of coffee with the RCMP as their Chaplain but that has come to an end. I was reminded however, of the privilege I have had representing Canada as a Police Chaplain in Estonia and more recently in Ukraine, where 2 Canadians: a Chaplain and a Police Officer/Chaplain, helped to introduce Police Chaplaincy to that country in 2019. I was also one of only a few foreigners who received a medal for our efforts.


In case any of you might think I am bragging, think again. Better yet, read my book. I owe everything I have achieved in my life to the Lord. A close second is my precious wife Anne, who has put up with a lot and yet after 47 years and counting, we are still in love.

I could also name many from TPS, Estonia and Ukraine, that have been a blessing in my life. 

Blessings!


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