Chaplain a key resource for Wayne County deputies

Law-enforcement officers regularly face intense and emotionally charged situations. From responding to fatal accidents to handling domestic violence calls, deputies often encounter people at their most vulnerable moments. While they serve and protect, they also absorb the emotional weight of those encounters, carrying the memories of each call with them long after their shift ends.

Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger considers having a chaplain on his staff not only beneficial, but also an essential resource his cadre can turn to when they need it, and Chaplain Curt Stauffer is perfect for the role.

“Curt is the person that deputies turn to when they need spiritual or emotional support,” Ballinger said. “Deputies are trained to maintain composure under pressure, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to stress, grief or burnout. The chaplain provides them with a confidential, nonjudgmental space to decompress, reflect and regroup.”

By caring for those officers who serve, Stauffer ensures deputies are emotionally equipped to care for others while serving in the line of duty.

Stauffer’s love of the job

People rarely like their jobs so much that they would do it for free, but Stauffer did exactly that for a decade before being hired by Ballinger in January of this year.

“I have been volunteering since 2014,” Stauffer said. “I had a day job and spent nights and weekends at the sheriff’s office supporting deputies and their families. I love these people and respect what they do. I am extremely proud to be a part of it.”

While he has the title of chaplain, his mission encompasses more than spirituality.

“Obviously, I am here if someone has a spiritual question, but it goes beyond that,” he said. “A tragic call can leave a mark on our men and women, and I am here to walk along with them as they process the details.”

Stauffer said officers face the same challenges as everyone else, like marital issues, aging parents, children’s schedules and finances.

“In addition to their own life events, they shoulder the day-to-day calls when a community member may be facing the worst day of their life,” Stauffer said. “That elevates things. My focus is on our deputies and staff, their overall well-being, and their mental wellness. Thankfully, our sheriff recognizes the need for someone here for this purpose.”

Stauffer’s qualifications allow him to empathize with his co-workers. He understands the tactical side of law enforcement, and as a licensed Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy trained officer, he has been on calls and made arrests. However, he is more in tune with the emotional element of supporting officers through difficult times as a chaplain.

The future

Stauffer plans to add more volunteer chaplains to his office and offer support to first responders throughout the county.

“Some villages may only have three or four law-enforcement officers on their staff, but they deal with the same things as a larger force,” he said. “For instance we had a village police officer involved in the recent chase that ended near the Dix Expressway. I want to be able to provide support where and when support is needed to those individuals, including fire department and emergency medical personnel.”

A chaplain’s unique position allows them to bridge the gap between the officers’ professional duties and personal lives, helping to reduce feelings of isolation. Chaplains may attend critical incident scenes, offering comfort not only to officers, but also to victims and their families.

Chaplains interested in volunteering may email Stauffer at cstauffer@wcsohio.org.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.