ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPLAINCY
Public Safety Chaplaincy (PSC) is a Christian non-profit ministry that provides qualified Chaplains to First Responder Agencies with a mission to enlist, equip, empower qualified Chaplains to serve First Responder Agencies (local police, fire EMS and 911 dispatch personnel) and the communities they serve.
OUR STORY
Many if not most of us have experienced real tragedy in our lives. The shock, trauma, grief, and loss can be unbearable.
But what if you were exposed to a tragedy every week or even every day?
Think about the toll it would take on your body, your emotions, your mental health and your family. Yet, this is the life of a First Responder.
Being a First Responder is one of the few occupations that face physical dangers and put their lives on the line at any time. The overall health and wellness of First Responders (and their families) is the heart of Public Safety Chaplaincy.
The story of "Public Safety Chaplaincy" (PSC) began in 1984. Initially, the ministry was named "Officer Alive".
Three years prior, the Beaverton Police Department, who created their own agency chaplaincy program in 1981, realized the benefit of partnering with Officer Alive and assisted in the development and growth of this newly founded ministry.
In 2001, the mission expanded adding additional chaplains throughout the Portland Metro area and the name was changed to "Metro Police Chaplaincy".
In 2006, the mission expanded once again to include Fire, 911 Dispatch and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). At the same time, additional agencies outside of the Portland Metro area joined the cause and the name was changed to Public Safety Chaplaincy (PSC).
Since its early beginnings until today, the mission has stayed the same: To enlist, equip, empower qualified Chaplains to serve First Responder Agencies (local police, fire EMS and 911 dispatch personnel) and the communities they serve.
Since our humble start and early affiliation with the Beaverton Police Department, today, PSC has expanded to over 50 chaplains representing 60 First Responder Agencies in 7 Oregon counties in and outside the Portland Metro Area and Clark County in Washington State.
OUR MISSION
Public Safety Chaplaincy is committed to strengthening the well-being of First Responders by providing qualified Chaplains to agencies and the communities they serve.
Build deep relationships within the First Responder community
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Extend a ministry of presence to those who are hurting
Cultivate a camaraderie of
committed Chaplains
CHAPLAIN'S ROLE
First Responder Resilience
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Ministry of Presence - Empathic listening with compassion and understanding​
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Emotional support through challenges, crises and trauma
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Spiritual care with personal struggles, relational guidance, Bible studies, prayer and officiating funerals/weddings
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Debriefing as a trustworthy confidant
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Referrals and resources for additional care
Community Support
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Immediate care during loss, tragedy and disaster
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Notifying loved ones of a death
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Referrals and resources for follow-up support
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Short-term relief for victims and their families through a Community Assistance fund
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Assistance in fostering positive relationships between the agency, First Responder and the community
You or someone in your extended family may have lost a loved one through tragedy.
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Our hearts go out to you. No one should ever go through this sudden or devastating trauma alone.