CHAPLAIN’S ROLE

1.    To be a "spiritual leader" open to people of various faiths, backgrounds, etc., within the Police Service.

• Provide moral, ethical, religious support to the member and families

• Celebrate, when and where possible, religious activities in the lives of the members and families

• Provide religious counseling when requested

2.    To be a "liaison" between police and community

• Offer assistance to victims of crime or mishap when requested

• Accompany the officer on "notification calls" when requested

• Be a positive role model worthy of the position held by Chaplains

• Participate, whenever possible, in the funeral rites of serving or retired members and their families

3.    To be a "support" for Police Service members and families

• Offer comfort to any member or their family who asks for assistance in a time of need caused by a critical incident, natural disaster, death or other crisis

• Assist with referrals to other persons or agencies for Service members or their family

• Attend critical incident debriefings as a support person

• Upon invitation, attend and participate at Ontario Police College graduations, Auxiliary Inspections, Awards Day, etc

• Recruit training; the Service shall provide Chaplains an opportunity to discuss their role during recruit training sessions

• Ministry Opportunities; from time to time, the Service shall provide the Chaplaincy with a registry of members who may require their attention, i.e. sick, grieving, etc.; be available to provide assistance in stressful situations if it is requested; offer assistance to officers who have been involved in a traumatic incident; upon request, visit members who are suffering from long term illnesses; be willing to make referrals to other persons or agencies; operate with strict confidentiality; notify all chaplains in the event of a death of Service officer

CHAPLAINS’ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

	Chaplain Doug Aikman was sworn in as a Chaplain with the Niagara Regional Police Service in March 1992. He is affiliated with the United Church of Canada with ordination occurring in 1971. He is married to Louise and has two sons, Scott, a police officer of 10 years with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service and Stephen, a Bank Manager for the Royal Bank. Reverend Aikman is a minister at Grace United Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake. He lives in the north end of St. Catharines and works primarily out of 1 District, although like all Chaplains, has responsibilities for the entire Region. He is also a volunteer Chaplain for the St. Catharines’ Fire Department.
	Chaplain Brian Bevan was sworn in as a Chaplain with the Niagara Regional Police Service in April of 1988. He is a Roman Catholic Priest, ordained in June of 1982 and is presently the pastor of St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Parish in the Town of Lincoln. Father Brian, who was born and raised in St. Catharines, comes from a police background . His father was a retired Superintendent with the Niagara Regional Police Service; his brother, Vince, is the Chief of Police in Ottawa-Carleton and another brother, Paul, is currently serving with the Niagara Regional Police Service. Father Brian resides in Vineland. His chaplaincy is focused on 3 District, although like all Chaplains, has responsibilities for the entire Region.
	Chaplain John Ripley was sworn in as Chaplain with the Niagara Regional Police Service in May of 1999. He was ordained as an Anglican Priest in December of 1995. Prior to his ordination, he was a teacher and principal in the schools of the former Lincoln County Board of Education, retiring from teaching in 1996. Reverend Ripley has been a resident of Beamsville for the past 35 years. Prior to that, he lived in St. Catharines. He is an Honorary Assistant at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Grimsby. He is the father of two grown children. Reverend Ripley’s primary assignment is with the Grimsby Detachment of the Niagara Regional Police Service. He too is prepared to serve where and when needed throughout the Niagara Region.
	Chaplain Darin Latham was sworn in as Chaplain with the Niagara Regional Police Service in the summer of 2001. He is the father of four children. A graduate of the Baptist Leadership Training School, Eastern Pentecostal Bible College and Christian Leadership Seminary, he received a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1997. Involved in a full time pastoral ministry since 1985, Reverend Latham has previously led congregations in Toronto, Cambridge and Chilliwack, B.C. Known for his humorous yet informative style, he speaks at conferences, churches and colleges around the world. Presently, Reverend Latham is the Senior Pastor of Central Gospel Temple in St. Catharines. He is proud to serve alongside Service Chaplains who desire to make a difference in the lives of those around them.