• Chaplains
• Sheriff's reserves
• Volunteers
Area law enforcement
• Elkhart County Prosecutor
• Bristol Police Department
• Elkhart Police Department
• Goshen Police Department
• Nappanee Police Department
• Indiana State Police
• Department of Natural Resources
Safety organizations
• Safe Kids Elkhart County
• TRIAD
• Amber Alert
• Missing and exploited children
Pastors and lay people volunteer to assist Elkhart County Sheriff's Department officers in a number of ways, most noticeably when notifications must be made to family when a traffic crash or criminal incident has resulted in a fatality. These trained, ecumenically diverse professionals also help officers cope with stress during critical, emergency situations.
Pastor Dan Haifley of Grace Bible Baptist Church in New Paris serves as senior chaplain, and Pastor Darrel Flaming of Calvary Baptist Church in Nappanee is his assistant.
To participate in the program, chaplains must have five years of ministry experience and have the endorsement of their church or congregation. Participants must be compassionate and considerate to people of all beliefs, and have flexibility in their schedules to accommodate an on-call status. Chaplains must join the International Conference of Police Chaplains, and the department supports the volunteer group by covering the costs associated with memberships and training.
Chaplains also are relied upon to give assistance to employees at times when personal, family or medical issues are becoming stressful.
For more information or to donate to the program, please see our new brochure.
Corrections chaplains provide valuable serviceThe worth of the corrections chaplaincy program in Elkhart County is immeasurable. The participating clergy and lay people offer compassion and counsel to inmates wanting and needing direction in their lives.
Mike Kupke is the lead corrections chaplain, working full time in a non-denominational role since 1984. He serves as a liaison between inmates, their families and the corrections staff, and has earned the trust and respect of all those involved.
People interested in participating in the corrections chaplaincy program must submit an application. After review and acceptance, clergy and lay people may see up to two inmates per day for 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the circumstances. Clergy and lay people may not make professional visits to see individuals to whom they are related.
Regular visiting hours for clergy and designated lay people are 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.