St. Tammany Coroner's Volunteer Chaplaincy Program
Here we are at CISM Training 2018. Dr. Charles Preston, Coroner for St. Tammany Parish (front row far right) saw the need to have chaplains on site and available to minister to hurting families during crisis death notifications.
Out of his deep concern for the citizens under his care, a vision developed for a volunteer chaplaincy program.
In April 2015, men and women responded to the call to train at the first CISM Training which was held at the Coroner's office.
We now have over 30 volunteer chaplains serving the St. Tammany area.
In addition to CISM certification, all chaplains are required to complete quarterly training at the Coroner's office.
This has been a great service in our community. Many families in crisis have received comfort and guidance in the death of their loved ones. The majority of our call-outs are for deaths by suicide, accidental overdoses, and other accidental means.
Pastor Donald Bryan (front row, 3rd from right) serves as Chaplain Director.
Deputy Chief Investigator Mark Ford (front row, 2nd from right) along with other staff members goes above the call of duty when crises occur.
We are grateful to Dr. Preston and his staff for their sincere dedication to the people of St. Tammany Parish.
It is a privilege and a blessing to work alongside them.
Our Work in the City of Bogalusa, Louisiana
Barbara Hicks-Collins and Chaplain Dave Ziegler as Barbara accepts the Plea of Forgiveness during Prayer in the Park, November 7, 2015
Chaplains Dave & Grace being honored at the First Annual Red Carpet Musical Tribute honoring Legends & Trailblazers, February 27, 2016
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT...is important to us
Slidell Ministers Association
We are members of the Slidell Ministers Association - a group of ministers and leaders in the local community who serve in our churches, our government, and in business and education.
Our purpose is to encourage and build relationships within St. Tammany Parish.
During the First Gala Event in 2015, we gathered to sign "The Declaration of Interdependence". If one rejoices, we all rejoice. If one falls, we all fall.
The picture to the right was taken at the Third Annual Gala Event (2017) that honored Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan who was instrumental to the formation of bringing the pastors and ministers together.
Unity in the community is essential in order for it's citizens to thrive!
Our work in Bogalusa began in 2015 as we met with local pastors and city leaders. The goal was to organize a city-wide prayer gathering.
"Pray for Bogalusa" was organized on November 7, 2015 in Cassidy Park. A Plea of Forgiveness was extended as city officials and ministers apologized to the African American residents for the city's racist past. It was a great day of prayer, forgiveness, and reconciliation of all peoples.
On February 27, 2016, the Office of the Mayor, along with the Robert "Bob" Hicks Foundation presented many "legends" and "trailblazers" the "Social & Justice Award" during the First Annual Legends & Trailblazers Musical Tribute night. We were humbled to be honored as "Trailblazers" in the city of Bogalusa. Our work with the Robert "Bob" Hicks Foundation is continuing as the work on the Civil Rights Museum is underway.
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation..."
2 Corinthians 5:18