NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
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Earlier today, the Timmins Police Service announced the appointment of Deacon David Smith as force chaplain.
Not so long ago, Monsignor Pat Lafleur retired as the chaplain for the Timmins Police Service.
It is no small coincidence that Deacon Smith was chosen for this position as he served as a sworn officer in 1973.
David’s professional aspirations and career path and took him in other directions, and he opted to leave policing in 1974.
Nonetheless, Deacon Smith is eager to apply his mentoring and spiritual guidance to the officers and civilians who work in policing in these trying and unusual times.
In keeping with the expectations, the Timmins Police chaplain will be responsible for fostering the spiritual, religious, and pastoral care of uniformed and plain-clothed officers and civilian and their families, regardless of religious affiliation, practice, or beliefs.
His main obligations to Timmins Police personnel and their families include:
- Conducting worship mentoring
- Performing other religious ceremonies and services
- Visiting with service members in crisis
- Assisting with grief and perspective counselling for service members who experience mentally challenging occurrences
- Providing workplace stress support
- Advising senior Administration members on religious and moral matters
- Counselling service for Timmins Police personnel and their families
While Chaplain Smith is not a licensed clinical counselor, he will offer his services with absolute confidentiality and will be prepared to help officers with any grievous challenges incurred in the course of their duties including:
- Work-related issues
- Stress counselling
- Marriage and family
- Substance abuse
- Grief counselling
- Financial stress
Chaplain David Smith is a 72-year-old Timmins resident who graduated from Timmins High and Vocational School.
It certainly takes a man of faith to cheer for the Toronto Maple Leaf semi-pro hockey team, so he is well acquainted with disappointment.
Please welcome Chaplain David Smith and, by all means, take advantage of the spiritual guidance services that he can provide.
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