Chaplain Service

Purpose of the Emergency Services Chaplain

  1. Support Department personnel and their families in time of need with strict confidence and compassion.
  2. Serve as a communication link between persons in crisis and their own spiritual advisors.
  3. Coordinate follow-up counseling for those indicating both a need and an interest in such help.
  4. Lighten the burden by assisting, when requested, in the performance of tasks which tend to have a greater emotional and/or spiritual, rather than legal implication, e.g. death messages, domestic disturbances, suicide calls, fires, health trauma issues, and spiritual counseling requests.

The Chaplaincy will endeavor to provide 24/7 coverage.

History of the Central MN Emergency Chaplaincy

In 1996, the St. Cloud Police Chaplaincy was formed with seven volunteer chaplains. They have continued to volunteer their services and have become certified with the International Conference of Police Chaplains by attending their Annual Training Seminars, Regional Training Conferences, and other educational and training opportunities offered to them within and outside the St. Cloud Police Department.

In the summer of 2000 Chief Dennis O'Keefe asked Chaplain Gary Skramstad to take courses offered at the Mobile, Alabama Annual Training Seminars concerning the formation of an expanded chaplaincy that could be offered to other departments and agencies in the greater St. Cloud area. It was decided to pursue a non-profit chaplains program with a Board of Directors representing the areas and faiths of the community.

In early 2001 the Board was organized, Articles of Incorporation adopted, non-profit status applied for, by-laws developed, and the appointing of Chaplain Gary Skramstad as Senior Chaplain/Executive Director.

Each agency/department is requested to provide a liaison officer and an Advisory Board member. Emergency response training and planning for all local clergy will also be offered in preparation of a large disaster. EMESC will rely upon the St. Cloud Hospital Spiritual Care Department and the Salvation Army for such planning.

Central Minnesota Emergency Services Chaplaincy offers service at this time to the police and fire departments of St Cloud, Waite Park, St. Joseph, Sartell, Sauk Rapids; the counties of Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne; the State Patrol; first responders; and disaster personnel. Other areas will be considered when more chaplains are recruited and finances are contributed.