McCandless Police Department institutes chaplaincy program

Emotional, spiritual and pastoral support is now available to McCandless police officers through a new chaplaincy program.

Rabbi Jeremy Weisblatt of the Temple Ohav Shalom in Allison Park serves as volunteer chaplain to the department and will provide nondenominational guidance and support to any officer who may feel the need, according to McCandless Chief of Police Ryan Hawk.

Weisblatt said that his seminary education and training has given him a good background in pastoral care.

“I’m there as a support for officers and to offer a presence,” said Weisblatt, who lives in the North Hills with his wife and two sons.

Weisblatt chose to become certified as a chaplain with the International Conference of Police Chaplains, though it was not required.

“It’s very important to help give support and comfort to those who help protect our sacred communities,” Weisblatt said.

Weisblatt offered his services to Hawk, and after discussing it, they both thought it would be a benefit. Weisblatt began as chaplain in November.

The support is nondenominational, and the chaplain could also assist with death notifications, crime victim support and counseling after officer-involved shootings. Hawk said.

“Considering the types of calls and situations they face daily, as well as the social unrest and (perceived) lack of support nationally law enforcement has experienced in recent times, I believe the officers should have support options available to them,” Hawk said.

Prior to working for the Town of McCandless, Hawk worked for the Pittsburgh Police Department, which has a chaplaincy program. In his experience, many departments have chaplains, though they are probably not as common in smaller agencies.

Weisblatt, who has been at Temple Ohav Shalom for five years, said it was important to him that he had the support of his congregation and the board.

Hawk sees the need for support programs and similar services for the police department.

“I believe it’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them,” he said.

At this time, there is one chaplain, but the township would consider adding more chaplains if needed or desired, he said.