Chaplains
Our mission is to provide volunteers for law enforcement staff, citizens in crisis, and the community. Our goal is to serve, minister and support our community with dignity and compassion, by using every resource available.
About Us
During Sheriff: "Marvin Lipfird's" election campaign in 2006 a perplexing question was presented to Sheriff, Lipfird and long time friend Bill Ball. How does one address the devastation that illicit drug use causes in Harlan County? After much prayer, Lipfird and Ball decided a Chaplains Corp could serve both the needs of the sheriff's department and the public. The Chaplains Corps originated in Harlan County from the community needs that were perpetuated by the prevalent drug culture in the region The men resolved that every available resource needed to be used to address the county's drug related problems.
Sheriff's Office Chaplain's are volunteers dedicated in serving the Sheriff's Department and communities of Harlan County Kentucky.
Duties
- Assist Departmental members when there is an accident involving serious injury or death, and when there is a need to provide comfort to injured persons and their families.
- Respond when a Department member has been seriously injured or killed.
- Provide spiritual support to Department personnel and their families, upon request.
- Attend and participate, when requested in funerals of members of the Department.
- Attend and participate, when requested in weddings of members of the Department.
- Assist Department officials in making notification to family members of Department personnel suffering serious injury or death.
- Visit sick family members of Department personnel who are confined to a hospital.
- Comfort and console victims and relatives in the case of crime, accidents and disaster.
- Advocate for or talk to youth and families upon request.
- Participate in Department and community events by giving invocations, addresses and benedictions where and when appropriate.
- Assist in developing a vibrant and successful community for Harlan County.
- Assist in making referrals for qualified and specialized professionals where circumstances indicate or are requested.
The Chaplain Corps members do not provide mental health, family or drug counseling to any person. In some situations, referrals (suggestions were to find help) may be given to citizens. The individual is responsible for making contact with agencies, churches or facilities to acquire services. Individuals and families has the right to accept or decline referrals and/or services.
To Contact Us:
Harlan County Sheriffs’ Office Chaplains' Corps
210 Central Street 3rd Floor
Harlan Kentucky 40831
Phone: (606) 573-1313
Phone: (606) 573-7427
Meet the Chaplain Corps
Major Bill Ball Chaplain Chris Hickey Chaplain James Nunn Chaplain Joey Robertson Chaplain John Gross Chaplain Randy Abner Chaplain Tony Vaughn Chaplain Ronnie Williams
