Chaplain Program

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Chaplain Program was officially started in October 2006, initiated by Sheriff Bill Elfo. The Chaplains are ordained ministers from various congregations in Whatcom County. 

 Chaplains go through an extensive background check and have attended the following:

- Police and Fire Chaplain’s Training Academy (P&FCTA) which is associated with the
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission 
- The Traumas of Law Enforcement: sponsored by C.O.P.S  and the U.S. Department of Justice
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): Group Crisis Intervention
- Other associated LE trauma training

The duties of a Chaplain are to connect with and to make themselves available to the Sheriff’s Staff, Patrol, and Corrections Deputies. They visit the Staff and the Correction Deputies at the Whatcom County Jail. They do ride-alongs with the Patrol Deputies. They have participated in weddings, funerals, and counseling for members of the Sheriff’s Office. They respond to critical incidents and have done de-briefings. The Chaplains offer support, care, encouragement, and a listening ear to those who Serve and Protect.

The current member of the WCSO Chaplain Program is Kip McCormick.