The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has a growing National Law Enforcement Ministry. That includes a chaplain training program meant to equip law enforcement officials to offer Christ-centered spiritual and emotional support to fellow officers.
Sweetwater Chief of Police Placido Diaz paid a visit to the class to welcome chaplains and participants.
BG-RRT chaplain Mike Searing points to a photograph from a plane crash in Michigan that he responded to when he was a police officer. Being at the scene, he said, was “like walking through the valley of the shadow of death.“ He said his experience with the devastation that day brought him closer to God.
During training, participants broke out into small groups. Each person took turns being a counselor, counselee and observer. These counseling sessions often ended with prayer.
The program doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Training helps identify stressors unique to law enforcement families and develop crisis communication techniques. It also examines appropriate ministry during line-of-duty deaths and discusses sensitivity with diverse populations.
This training teaches current or previous law enforcement officers how to best minister to their peers.
Participants gathered at the South Florida Police Benevolent Association building.
