Map CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

When I was asked about writing for the MAP Chaplain’s corner, I couldn’t have been more thrilled! I enjoy writing and doing so for the MAP newsletter presented me with an opportunity to serve our law enforcement brothers and sisters in a new way. I pray that I can provide you with useful information, encouraging words, and practices that nudge you in healthier directions. For this quarter, I thought I’d share a bit of information about me, so you can get to know me better, and maybe (please) keep reading what I write each newsletter. First, I think it is important to note that I am married to a (now retired) police officer who served in a variety of capacities…from patrol, investigations, and undercover work to command roles with two different departments – state and a municipality. As a law enforcement wife, I am very familiar with police culture (the good and the bad) and understand both the benefits and the challenges that come with accepting the responsibility of the job. Because of our experiences, becoming a chaplain to first responders seemed like a logical next step after getting ordained.

I am an ordained pastor, a trained spiritual director, and have trained through ICPC (International Conference of Police Chaplains). Further, I’m trained in peer support and critical incident stress debriefing to serve you better. In addition to serving as a chaplain for a local police department, I also serve as Chaplain for Cornerstone Retreat Center, a non-profit corporation for 1st Responders and their families that I co-founded with my husband Dan in 2020.

Through CRC, we offer a variety of wellness services including wellness training on a variety of topics, peer support, criti- cal incident stress debriefings, and chaplain services (which includes spiritual 1st aid and Spiritual Direction). In addition to our ongoing wellness services, we are also developing a retreat center specifically for first responders and their families. Seasonally, we now have the first responder park open offering a fishing pond, walking trails, and use of the two picnic pavilions. In 2023, we are expanding the park offerings to include a fitness trail. And we are working diligently on the infrastructure and bath house to open the 1st responder RV park/ campgrounds as soon as possible. We look forward to hosting some family events on the property this summer. To learn more about CRC and to stay up-to-date on trainings and events, please visit our website at CornerstoneRetreatCenter.com and/ or follow us on Facebook (CRCfor1stResponders). I also have a chaplain Facebook page called, coincidentally, “Chaplain’s Corner” (CornerstoneChaplainCorner).

My prayer is that as we move forward together, I can provide some useful insight to help you become the most resilient, healthiest LEO possible in mind, body, and spirit. You have tough jobs that come with unique rewards and challenges, and that reality requires you to have a proactive approach to physical, mental/emotional, relational, and spiritual wellness. I hope you’ll allow me the privilege of being on that journey with you. Please feel free to reach out as needed to troach.crc@gmail.com. I look forward to serving you.

Tammy J. Roach (AKA Tammy, Pastor Tammy, or Chaplain Roach take your pick)

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

If you are involved in a critical incident or need to contact MAP for any emergency, call 630-905-0663.