Cowlitz Chaplaincy Care Packages

In the Community Chaplains support first responders navigating through new challenges

By Krysten Ralston

Between navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and agency reforms, law enforcement is under extreme pressure to remodel and revise how they operate. In July, Gov. Jay Inslee signed multiple bills into effect that will alter policing. House Bills 1054 and 1310 are among the new agency reforms forcing police departments to scrutinize their use of force and probable cause policies. Inslee intends these reforms to limit the number of violent exchanges between police officers and the public, yet many police departments have criticized the new laws and questioned their effectiveness.

In an August 5th press release, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s office highlights the “negative outcomes of legislation that went into effect on July 25th, 2021,” mentioning HB 1054 specifically. Chief Criminal Deputy Troy Brightbill calls for legislation to “immediately correct deficiencies” in these new laws and to allow law enforcement to continue to do their jobs safely. Cowlitz Chaplaincy Director Paul Bricknell foresees the newly-enacted statewide reforms triggering a ripple effect within law enforcement and other agencies. “Because the stress level is going to go up for responders,” he said, “we will probably be seeing more of that in their day-to-day life and because we walk with them, we will shoulder that with them,” “There is a greater stress among our first responders, said Chaplain Doug Fields. “They are facing more difficult situations as they deal with the pandemic, as they deal with unrest and the impact of the most recent laws in place. They are causing more seasoned officers, who are used to doing things a certain way, to stop and think it through. What makes a lot of officers effective is their training. They don’t have time to think when they’re in a split-second emergency.” The Chaplaincy is currently partnering with various agencies to develop peer programs within local law enforcement to care for the health and well-being of first responders. “There’s still a lot of belief out there that mental health is not a real thing,” said Fields, a chaplain of nine years. “Mental health is important. Having the resources to deal with it is important. We want our police and fire to be healthy.” Cowlitz County Chaplaincy is a non-profit organization — currently with three full-time chaplains and four in reserve — that has served and protected the well-being of the law enforcement community since 1983. Available to law enforcement around the clock, the chaplains average a 15-minute response time. Their presence is crucial to onscene emergency situations. They guide bereaved families through their trauma and offer first responders a pillar of support.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

During October, Cowlitz Chaplains will deliver care packages filled with gift cards, “goodies”and uplifting notes from the community to all 676 first responders in the County. You can sponsor care packages for $50 each. Your name will be signed to the package and the chaplaincy will gift it on your behalf to a first responder. Mail your check to 1560 Olympia Way, Longview, WA 98632, To give online, see page 16.

CHAPLAINS are not police officers/firefighters, they serve as CARE givers, offering crisis intervention support to the community in times of need... relational, emotional and spiritual support to anyone (regardless of faith).

Upon request, chaplains

respond to these types of events/scenes: • Homicide or suicide • Search & Rescue scene • Serious auto accident • Hostage situation • Domestic violence • Fire scene • Plane/train crash • Civil disturbances • SIDS/death of a child • Line of Duty injury/death • Drowning • Civil disturbances • Notifying families of serious injuries/death

Longview resident Krysten Ralston earned a bachelor’s degree in English at WSU Vancouver. She enjoys creative writing and spending time with her husband and baby boy. Chaplain Doug Fields, left, and Director Paul Bricknell.

Mt. St. Helens Gifts

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“We are ministers,” Fields explained. “We are ordained or commissioned. What makes us different (from first responders) is that we have also received additional training in crisis response, bereavement response, critical incident stress management skills. Our role is to provide a ministry of presence…to provide support and comfort.” Cowlitz Chaplaincy is a nonprofit organization, funded by grants and community donations. Donate at cowlitzchaplaincy.org or mail check to: PO Box 2578 1560 Olympia Way Longview, WA 98632