The Chaplain's Role
"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and instruction." - 2 Timothy 4:2
Many people wonder what a Sheriff’s Chaplain actually does. Is it just saying prayers at ceremonies or visiting hospitals? The reality is much broader and more vital to modern law enforcement. Let me explain how chaplaincy serves our Thomas County Sheriff's Office and our community.
Beyond Ceremonial Functions
While as Chaplain I do provide ceremonial support, such as invocations at graduations and memorial services for fallen officers, the real work happens in the daily grind of police work.
We serve as spiritual first responders, confidential counselors, and bridges between law enforcement and the community.
Core Chaplain Functions
Ministry of Presence Being present and available is a powerful show of support
Crisis Response When officers face traumatic incidents, officer-involved shootings, line-of-duty deaths, child fatalities, I provide immediate spiritual and emotional support. I help process trauma through a faith lens.
Confidential Counseling Everything shared with chaplains is privileged communication. Officers can discuss marriage problems, addiction struggles, faith questions, or job stress without fear of career consequences.
Family Support I often include my wife{ Pastor Dr. Melissa Lamb}in the counsel of officer families through divorces, financial crises, teenage rebellion, aging parents, and other life challenges that affect job performance.
Community Bridge-Building As Chaplain I help connect law enforcement with faith communities, facilitating understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and churches.
On-Call Availability
I’m here and available 24/7 through dispatch for:
Critical incident response when officers need immediate spiritual support
Death notifications to help families process tragic news with pastoral care
Hospital visits for injured officers or their family members
Crisis counseling during personal emergencies
Training and Qualifications
Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb, like most chaplains, has
Seminary education and theology degrees
Clinical pastoral education in crisis counseling
Law enforcement academy training to understand Law Enforcement culture
Ongoing continuing education in trauma therapy and crisis response
We understand both spiritual matters and law enforcement procedures.
Other faith leaders as needed for diverse spiritual needs
Secular counselors for officers preferring non-religious support
Unique Position of Trust
Chaplains occupy a unique position in law enforcement:
Inside access to understand law enforcement culture and challenges
Outside perspective from the civilian community
Confidential privilege that protects officer privacy
Spiritual authority that transcends departmental hierarchy
Community connections that bridge police-citizen gaps
What We Don't Do
Law Enforcement Chaplains are not:
Internal affairs investigators or disciplinary authorities
Department administrators making policy decisions
Religious enforcers pushing specific doctrines
Political advocates for partisan positions
Community Chaplaincy
This ministry extends beyond officers to:
Victim families needing spiritual comfort during investigations
Community members requiring crisis intervention or counseling
Local churches wanting to support law enforcement
Civic organizations seeking spiritual guidance for community challenges
The Biblical Model
Jesus ministered to both religious leaders and Roman centurions. He understood that those in authority face unique pressures and need spiritual support to serve with integrity.
How to Access Chaplain Services
For Officers and Families:
Contact via dispatch (all communication is confidential).
Direct phone calls for non-emergency situations 229.200.3346
Email for appointment scheduling {chaplainlamb@gmail.com}
Walk-in availability at sheriff's office
For Community Members:
Referrals through victim services
Community event requests
Crisis intervention needs
Spiritual counseling requests
Call 229.200.3346
Supporting the Chaplaincy Program
Thomas County churches and citizens can support chaplaincy through:
Financial donations for program resources
Prayer coverage for chaplains and their ministry
Volunteer assistance with community events
Professional referrals for specialized counseling needs
The chaplaincy program exists because our community values both law enforcement excellence and spiritual health.
Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb
Thomas County Sheriff's Office
Available 24/7 for Officers and Community Members
