Chaplain

Police Chaplains are trained clergy or lay pastors of a recognized religious denomination who serve as confidential counselors, advisors and consultants to police department employees and the public in matters relating to the clergy or the traditional functions of the clergy.

The Green Cove Springs Police Department is privileged to have a highly qualified and experienced civilian Chaplain, Dr. Mark Nicholson, who serves in a variety of support roles both within the agency and throughout the community. The Police Chaplains is a volunteer who donates his time to the Green Cove Springs community and the police officers who serve it.

Dr. Nicholson is also the Chaplain for the Region Four Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

The Green Cove Springs Police Chaplain is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to:

Counsel law enforcement personnel and their families
Visit sick or injured officers and departmental personnel in homes and hospitals
Assist with death notifications
Provide assistance to crime victims and their families
Provide training to law enforcement personnel in areas such as stress management, ethics, family life and pre-retirement
Respond to major incidents and crises when their services may be required
Assist with suicide incidents and other personal tragedies in the community
Serve as the police department's liaison with other clergy in the community
Provide for the spiritual needs of prisoners as necessary
Provide guidance on issues related to religions
Offer prayers at special occasions such as recruit graduations, award ceremonies and dedications
Serve on review boards, award boards and other committees as invited.

For additional information regarding the Green Cove Springs Police Chaplain program, contact Chaplain Mark Nicholson via email at drnick@cornerstonechurch4you.org