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Noting that there is an inherent spirituality within a police officer's mission to serve others, Massachusetts Colonel John Mawn Jr. last month welcomed five new members to the Department's Chaplain Corps. In a brief ceremony in his office at General Headquarters Colonel Mawn said the role of law enforcement officers to help others amid tragedy and often while risking their own safety and well-being, and their duty to respond to instances of horrific inhumanity or violence, can leave officers in need of spiritual or emotional support. The Chaplain Corps, who serve voluntarily, provide non-denominational assistance in conjunction with the sworn members of the MSP's Employee Assistance Unit. MSP Chaplains also provide support and counseling to community citizens as needed.
The new State Police Chaplains sworn-in on January 23 are:
Reverend Christopher Foustoukos, Presiding Priest of Saint Vasilios (Basil) the Great Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody;
Reverend Dr. Karen Walker, Assistant Vice President of Advancement at Springfield Technical Community College and former Executive Director of the Council of Churches of Greater Springfield;
Chaplain John David "J.D." Hebert of Lanesborough who also serves as a Pittsfield Police Chaplain;
Deacon George Hults of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich; and
Reverend Cheryl Meachen, Pastor of Oakdale United Methodist Church in West Boylston.
We are honored that these five members of the clergy have decided to join the Massachusetts State Police family.
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