July 2025 Edition
By Laura McCabe
LKPD Communications Manager
Behind the scenes, but always on the front lines of support, are the dedicated individuals of the First Responder Chaplain Association serving the Lawrence Kansas Police Department (LKPD).
The chaplain role extends well beyond traditional spiritual guidance. Those who serve often act as a bridge between the police department and the community, offering a non-enforcement perspective and a listening ear.
“To be a chaplain means to be sacrificially available for our first responders in both the good times and the bad, but it’s not enough to just be available,” says Chaplain Paul Taylor. “We are trained to respond to heartbreaking situations, equipped to operate in harsh environments, and prepared to stand with our first responder communities – who see this lifestyle as normal,” says Taylor.
The chaplains are an integral part of the LKPD’s commitment to community well-being, providing crucial practical, emotional and spiritual support to both law enforcement officers and victims of crime.
The First Responder Chaplain’s Association operates entirely on a volunteer basis and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to respond to a wide range of critical incidents.
They assist with death notifications, sudden death support, emotional first aid, critical incident debriefings, memorials, funerals, graduations, classroom training, all while maintaining strict confidentiality and respecting diverse beliefs. If called to an extended critical incident, they are prepared to provide first responders with temporary shelter, food and drinks.
“The work of our volunteer chaplains is invaluable,” says Chief Rich Lockhart. “They offer a unique and essential layer of support to our officers who face challenging situations daily, and they provide incredible solace and comfort to victims and their families during their most vulnerable moments. Their dedication, compassion, and tireless availability truly embody the spirit of community service.”
In addition to serving the Lawrence Police Department, these chaplains also provide services for Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Emergency Communications Center, the University of Kansas Police Department, Douglas County Consolidated Fire District 1, Baldwin City Police Department, Eudora City Police Department, Eudora City Fire Department, and Douglas County Emergency Management personnel.
The First Responder Chaplain Association is a non-profit 501©(3) organization and provides services free of charge. Financial support comes from like-minded donors who appreciate their work. If you’d like to know more about our local first responder chaplains and perhaps support them financially, visit www.frchaplain.org.