Mission

The mission of the Community Crisis Chaplaincy Team is to:

1. Operate as a support team of dedicated and trained professional volunteers to serve people in crisis.

2. Function in connection with The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office and other public safety agencies to provide physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual stabilizing assistance to people in crisis.

3. Provide Chaplaincy services for the employees of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office and other public safety agencies.

4. Provide Chaplaincy services to public and private schools, business, industry, and the community as called upon.

Why Chaplains are Needed

Chaplains provide a recognized benefit to law enforcement, other public safety professionals, and to the public. The primary work of the CCCT is not long term care, but to help in providing physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual “first aid” quickly after an event occurs.

Responders

Due to the various stresses associated with law enforcement and public safety, first responders need to have someone who is available for guidance and assistance in a number of ways. First Responders often need to express their concerns to someone who understands the circumstances surrounding their duties and responsibilities. Etowah County CCCT members are available to Sheriff’s employees and other first responders to listen, empathize, encourage, and offer private and confidential counsel.

Victims

Victims in a crisis often need someone who can bring calmness and a sense of control to a hectic and often confusing situation. CCCT members are trained to minister to people in unsettled events. Every day, unexpecting people become victim in crimes, tragedies, disasters, fires, motor vehicle wrecks, school incidents, business and industrial accidents. Those affected often need immediate support from trained professionals.

To apply as a member of the Etowah County Sheriff’s CCCT, please contact Michael Barton at the Sheriff’s Office by phone at 256-546-2825 or by e-mail at mbarton@etowahcounty.org

Response and Service

Sheriff’s CCCT members maintain a constant state of readiness to respond on a 24-hour basis as called upon. CCCT members are frequently called upon by the Sheriff’s Office for various needs. Some of the regular responsibilities CCCT members perform include:

1. Serve as a visible pastoral presence a crisis scenes

2. Serve as a pastoral presence in general to law enforcement and public safety personnel

3. Assist in making notification of death, injury, or other special situation when requested

4. Being available to counsel department personnel and their families

5. Assist in contacting appropriate community agencies for special needs

6. Respond with other law enforcement and public safety agencies upon request

7. Conduct religious and ceremonial services within the guidelines and regulations of their endorsing denomination when called upon

8. Visit employees or their family members

9. Attend and/or participate in funerals or other events as requested

To contact a member of the CCCT please call the Sheriff’s Office at 256-546-2825

Qualifications of CCCT Members

All Etowah County CCCT members are highly qualified in the area of crisis Chaplaincy. Each of our Chaplains are or have:

1. Trained in Community Crisis Chaplaincy

2. Trained in Critical Incident Stress Management

3. Trained in Disaster Relief Chaplaincy (optional)

4. Endorsed by a recognized religious body

5. Ordained by a recognized church (preferred)

6. Served a minimum of at least three years in ministry

7. Display familiarity with local community medical, psychiatric, and other related resources

8. Demonstrate a personal interest in the CCCT through training, work experience, interest in the community, law enforcement and emergency agencies

9. Passed a law enforcement background check

10. Possess a valid Alabama driver license or be eligible to obtain one

11. Meet the physical, emotional, and mental demands necessary to function as an effective law enforcement Chaplain