Cowlitz Chaplaincy is a Christian-based, non-profit organization that evolved following the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Then Sheriff Les Nelson recognized the need for a special service to emergency service workers and citizens of Cowlitz County. In March 1983, Sheriff Nelson’s dream became a reality as 12 local pastors began to serve as ‘volunteer chaplains’ covering the county “24-7”. November 5, 1985 became the official birth date of the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Chaplaincy when “volunteer chaplain” Pastor Lyle Prather became the first full-time Chaplain.

Since then Cowlitz Chaplaincy has expanded services and built a reputation for being a Christian ministry where those in need can find help and encouragement. Currently we have two (2) full-time chaplains, Lyle Prather and Steve White. A group of volunteer pastors rotate coverage each month to supplement our full-time chaplains.

Working side-by-side with local emergency services personnel our chaplains are all professionally trained and equipped to provide what we refer to as the “Ministry of Presence” whenever and wherever a crisis occurs.

#1 – Providing Support to Emergency Services Personnel and Their Families

Maintaining a positive, personal relationship with emergency services personnel is vital to any successful Chaplaincy Program. Some of the ways we do that is…

• Attend shift briefings
• Ride-a-Long with law enforcement/fire personnel
• Participate in department social functions
• Attend ceremonial events
• Assist ‘on-scene’ when requested
• Provide training in areas such as Stress Mgt., Family/Marriage Relations, Morals & Ethics, Disaster Preparedness, etc.
• Provide personal counseling services
• Participate in community activities (i.e. National Night Out, “Every-15 Minute”, Fire Prevention Week, Citizens Police Academy, etc)

# 2 – Providing Crisis Intervention Support

Chaplains are professionally trained (most with ‘Advance’ Status) and are prepared “24-7” to respond wherever a critical incident occurs. As crisis intervention specialists our chaplains:

• Conduct Critical Incident Stress Defusings and Debriefings
• Provide training in Stress Management
• Provide counseling support to citizen victims
• Assist with death/serious injury notifications
• Provide on-scene support through the "Ministry of Presence.

#3 – Providing Relational, Emotional, Spiritual Support Regardless of Faith Base

As Chaplains we are not police officers/fire fighters – we are “CARE-Givers.” As such, we serve people regardless of their own faith base upon request. Some of the things we do in that role are…

• Officiate at funerals and weddings
• Serve as liaison between government agencies and faith community
• Facilitate contact with appropriate referral agencies
• Participate in local Ministerial Association