The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County Chapaincy Program
The Salvation Army Chaplaincy Program, in partnership with the Milwaukee Police Department, offers emotional and spiritual support to individuals impacted by traumatic events. Our dedicated chaplains, who volunteer from over 40 denominations across 44+ congregations, help foster safer, stronger neighborhoods. By working with county organizations and faith-based communities, we aim to support healing and recovery across Milwaukee, embracing diversity and unity for a better future.
What do we do
As volunteer chaplains, we minister to numerous city residents in diverse populations. We are divided into two groups: Emergency Response Chaplains (ERC) and Community Engaged Chaplains (CEC).
Emergency Response Chaplains (ERC) are called to critical incidents and fatalities when the police determine that emotional and spiritual care is needed. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Homicides
- Drug overdoses
- House fires
- Fatal accidents
- Suicides
- Infant deaths
- Fallen Officers
Since the program's start in 2015, we have responded to over 1,500 calls. The average number of police calls to answer per year is 75-100.
Community Engagement Chaplains (CEC) have the heart to serve the community in a non-emergency and trauma manner. They provide prayer, presence, and resources at events such as:
- Monthly Faith-Based Initiative Meeting
- Monthly MPD Crime and Safety meetings
- Prayer vigils/funerals
- MPD Summer National Night Out Event
- MPD Faith in Blue Events
- The Salvation Army Toy Shop
- The Salvation Army Feed the Kids
- Veterans Stand Down Outreach
- Veterans & Memorial Day parades
- Kapco Kids2Kids Christmas Event
- And many others
Become A Chaplain
Becoming a volunteer chaplain is rewarding, and it is also a process. The Chaplain Coordinator and other senior chaplains will be there to help you through the process.
- Complete the online application. After your application has been received and reviewed, the Chaplain Coordinator will reach out to set up an interview.
- The Salvation Army HR department will conduct a background check.
- You will be given the links to complete two online training courses.
- You will shadow the senior chaplains on police calls or respond to a community event.
- Sign up for the remaining two required Salvation Army Chaplain in-person classes.
- Attend and complete the MPD Citizen Academy.
- Prepare to serve.
Contact Us
Major Beverly Gates, Milwaukee Area Commander
Office: (414) 302-4300
Email: beverly.gates@usc.salvationarmy.org