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Myrtle Creek council approves volunteer police chaplain for crisis support
Summary
Council approved moving forward with Pablo Rote as a volunteer police chaplain; the role will provide ride-alongs and crisis support at minimal city cost (insurance estimated under $160/year). Council asked that the chaplain be introduced at a future meeting and sworn in if desired.
The Myrtle Creek City Council voted to approve moving forward with Pablo Rote as a volunteer police chaplain after the police chief presented Rote’s credentials and minimal cost to the city.
Chief (speaker S4) described Rote as a retired spiritual mentor and a member of the Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains with training in crisis intervention. Chief S4 said the city’s out-of-pocket cost would be limited to insurance for ride-alongs, which was estimated at about $13.50 per month (approximately $160 per year). The council discussed the chaplain’s duties — ride-alongs, family notifications and crisis support — and the need for officers to be comfortable working with the chaplain.
A motion to approve was moved and seconded and the council voted to proceed; council asked staff to schedule an introduction and swearing-in at the next council meeting if the chaplain is available. The motion included a direction that the department finalize required uniforms/badging for the chaplain and that the city confirm insurance coverage for ride-alongs.
Quote: "He's interested in being a chaplain here ... it's basically free to us," said Chief (S4) as she introduced Pablo Rote.
Next steps: Staff will follow up to arrange an introduction, finalize the oath/credentialing and confirm insurance arrangements.
