Montclair Clergy Members Sworn In As Police Chaplains

From Montclair Township: The Montclair Township Police Department has started a police chaplain program and during last night’s Township Council meeting the following nine local clergy members were sworn is as police chaplains:

• Rabbi David Greenstein -- Congregation Shomrei Emunah
• Pastor Elbert Maxwell -- The Sword of the Spirit Christian Church Ministry
• Pastor Robert Coles, Jr.-- Petra Baptist Church
• Reverend Michele Brown -- St. Paul's Baptist Church
• Pastor Brian Major -- Christ Church
• Pastor Ron Gonzalez -- Christ Church
• Chaplain Barbra Bleecker -- Religious Society of Friends Montclair Monthly Meeting
• Pastor Paul Leggett -- Grace Presbyterian Church
• Elder Terrance Taylor -- Just One Prayer Away Deliverance Ministries

Reverend A. Craig Dunn - Senior Pastor elect at First Baptist Church of Madison - will be sworn in as a police chaplain at a later date.

“The program is designed to have a team of clergy members from the community with different religious backgrounds working alongside members of the Department during times of crisis or incidents where a more comprehensive response will be given to those in need,” said Police Chief Todd Conforti.

“As police officers we often see members of the community at their most difficult times and, though police try and offer emotional assistance to those in need, it is always beneficial to have as many support systems as possible within the department and within this community. I am fortunate to have members of the clergy offering their expertise, wisdom and faith to the Police Department of Montclair,” said Conforti.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Montclair