Special to the Pioneer Times
The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department has a gained a new asset, but rather than new squad cars, training or physical protections, the department has invested in a chaplain to protect officers from the “inside out,” an entirely new position with the department. Lt. Darrell Crandall, of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and Division II commander of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, was prompted to research the possibility of a chaplain for the sheriff’s department last spring.
“From the time I started, we’ve done a lot to improve the quality of life of our officers from the outside in,” Crandall explained, “We have much better cars then what we had, our protections like our bulletproof vests, the training has improved considerably, the benefits that are provided to the officers and their families have increased – all of those things being external. And one of things that I’ve noted that has come along at a much slower rate are the efforts of taking care of the officer from the inside out.”
Crandall then approached Pastor Wayne Robertson of the Houlton Wesleyan Church about volunteering as chaplain for the department.
After Crandall first approached him with the idea, Robertson explained in an interview that he researched “sheriff department chaplain” online. After reading job descriptions of full-time chaplains and volunteer chaplains, and enthusiastic testimonials from officers, Robertson was intrigued by the notion.
“I’m honored,” Robertson added.
Crandall and Robertson then met with Sheriff James Madore.
“I was really impressed,” Madore explained, “We talked and he listened, and I listened when he spoke.”
After their meeting, Madore recommended Roberston’s appointment to the Aroostook County board of commissioners.
At the Aroostook County board of commissioners meeting on Jan. 8, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Pastor Robertson as the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department chaplain.
“I think it’s a great idea,” county administrator Douglas Beaulieu said at the time, “We’re always looking to improve our operation, what we provide in terms of services, and this is definitely an enhancement.”
Just two days later, Robertson was also named the Aroostook County Chiefs of Police Association chaplain.
“I think Pastor Robertson will be a great asset to us,” Madore explained.
Robertson has lived in Houlton for 10 years, and has been in full-time ministry since 1981 and was ordained in 1983. Robertson also explained that his father was a police officer, and he has other family members in the police force.
“It’s a familiar part of my world,” Robertson explained.
As chaplain, Robertson will serve as a resource that both patrol and corrections officers can go to informally and confidentially as needed. The chaplain will also be able to make more formal referrals when necessary.
“With the stress of the job – not only in patrol, but corrections also – sometimes someone needs to talk to somebody,” Madore explained, “Sometimes they just need someone who listens well.”
“The types of situations that all law enforcement officers and corrections officers are confronted with don’t show on the outside immediately, and may not show on the outside for some time,” Crandall added.
Some of the chaplain’s duties include: ride-alongs with officers; providing advice, counsel and spiritual support to the department personnel and their families, upon request; networking with other agencies and their chaplains; assisting in making referrals for qualified and specialized professional counseling where circumstances indicate or are requested, and many others.
Sheriff Madore and Pastor Robertson are also looking into a formal training program through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy specifically designed for agency chaplains.
“I’m happy about it, and I’m looking for good things,” Madore said.
