KALISPELL – A northwest Montana non-profit seeks to bring comfort and reduce stress for law-enforcement, first responders and the community in some of the most emotionally intense circumstances.
This Salute to Service report features Braveheart Chaplain Ministry which has was founded in 2010 in the Flathead Valley.
The mission of the non-profit organization is to provide pastoral care to law enforcement, emergency responders and people in the Flathead Valley experiencing a crisis. The program is supported 100% through the community.
Interim Kalispell Police Chief Wade Rademacher says Chaplain Drew Buchner, the executive director of the ministry, makes himself available to respond to calls 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
Rademacher says without being called many times Buchner just shows up to where tragedies have just occurred like car accidents, suicides and overdoses.
Sergeant Brett Corbett, who has been with KPD for 19 years says he has seen firsthand the value of Braveheart Chaplain Ministry not only to law enforcement and first responders — but to the entire community.
“He’s a resource to our Department and our officers to help them through any times of need that they may have. We as police officers see a lot of stuff and it is difficult for us and Drew Buchner is somebody that is there for us anytime we need him,” said Rademacher.
“At the Department, we are exposed to a lot of trauma that can happen in people’s lives. Whether it’s a car accident, the death of a loved one or something like that. We’re human and it helps to be able to have someone available to talk to about those kinds of things,” said Corbett.
Braveheart Chaplain Ministry will host a fundraiser the “Braveheart Hero Gala” on Friday, November 9 featuring an evening of dinner and dancing with formal attire. Tickets are $60 per couple with tables of eight available.
Click here or call (406) 871-0183 for more information.
