Chaplain offers help for stressful times

NEW SPRINGFIELD — One member of the Springfield Township Police Department doesn’t carry a gun and has no arrest powers.

The Rev. Nicholas Shori’s authority comes from a higher place.

For the last two years, the Rev. Mr. Shori, pastor of St. Paul’s in New Middletown, has served as the township police department’s chaplain.

It’s a position that Chief Matthew F. Mohn says suits Mr. Shori well.

“We’re like a family here,” Mohn said.

When the chief initiated the program, officers were concerned.

“They were a little worried about having a civilian in the car,” he said. “It was a greater sense of responsibility,” ensuring the chaplain’s safety while handling calls.

Mr. Shori put the officers at ease, though, knowing when to offer help and when to hold back, Mohn said. The officers accept the priest as one of their own.

Mr. Shori sees part of his role as becoming a confidant for police officers and helping them as they deal with stressful situations daily.

That way, if a crisis occurs that requires his assistance, “they feel comfortable making the call,” he said.

The International Conference of Police Chaplains, of which Mr. Shori is a member, emphasizes the importance of a chaplain’s establishing relationships with officers, he said. For the complete story see Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com