By JENNIFER MAIER / Community Columnist

Ministering to the needs of law enforcement is truly a special calling.

During times of crisis and of heart-wrenching loss, members of the Shelby County Law Enforcement Chaplains Association (SCLECA) have been providing support for Shelby County law enforcement personnel and to the public since 1994.

What started as a way to support officers as they delivered death notifications has evolved into a multi-denominational program that provides assistance to law enforcement in a variety of ways, such as riding with deputies while on patrol, or assisting at other times when stress is high.

SCLECA is now considered a model program for law enforcement chaplaincy, and offers an annual chaplains academy that provides training to law enforcement agencies throughout the southeast.

Lt. Michael DeHart has served as Chaplain Liaison to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department since 2004.

He helps to coordinate the chaplains program and activities.

“I see my job as being an advocate for the chaplains program, facilitating chaplain ministry, and protecting both the interests of the Sheriff’s Office and the chaplains,” said DeHart.

DeHart knows from personal experience the value of the chaplains program.

“Before I became involved with the chaplain program, my pastor at the time was a chaplain. He would ride along with me on shift, and I enjoyed his company, help and support,” said DeHart. “The chaplains also assisted me on numerous occasions with death notifications and ministering to family and survivors, so I had experienced the value and benefits of the chaplains program. When the Liaison Officer position became available, I felt led to become involved with the program.”

DeHart, along with other SCLECA leaders, hosted the Law Enforcement Chaplain’s Training Academy on April 25-27 at New Hope Presbyterian Church.

“Chaplains are often called to crime scenes and crash scenes to assist deputies with family and loved ones who may also be present,” DeHart explained. “This allows the deputies to focus on other duties related to the scenes they are investigating, and the chaplain serves as the liaison between the family and the deputies.”

Chaplains are available at all times to assist law enforcement and the public, explained DeHart.

“They are trained in all aspects of chaplaincy and carry out their duties professionally, compassionately, confidentially and with dignity. They seek to assist law enforcement in dealing with the stresses of the profession in hopes of keeping both the officers and their families healthy and intact,” said DeHart.

SCLECA is a volunteer organization and a 501(c)(3) organization. Anyone interested in making a donation may direct it to the Shelby County Law Enforcement Chaplains Association at P.O. Box 1095, Columbiana, AL 35051.