BRENHAM CLERGY AND COPS WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT COMMUNITY
(From left, back row): Calvin Kossie, Billy Sutherland, and Police Chief Allwin Barrow, Jr.
The Washington County Ministerial Association (WCMA) and Brenham Police Department have partnered to help keep the community safe.
The Clergy and Cops Program allows pastors and ministers to serve as a support system for law enforcement officers.
Several local ministers, including Reverend Randy Wells of Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church, Brother Ralph Martin of Abiding Word Lutheran Church, and Pastor Johnnie Williams of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, are all participating in the program.
Pastor Williams, President of the Chaplain Program, is thankful for the opportunity to serve the community, saying it “really allows you to see what is going on in Brenham.”
Clergy members are required to complete a criminal background check annually, as well as go through a six week training program. Upon completing the process, the clergy take on duties such as prayer for officers and their families, on-call and active duty for crime scenes, providing guidance for officers in trauma related situations, and attending events like National Night Out Against Crime and promotional ceremonies for officers.
WCMA President Rev. Randy Wells says that pastors and ministers are “an untapped resource when it comes to public safety,” often providing guidance and services around the community.
Sergeant Kelvin Raven and Corporal Todd Ashorn each serve as liaisons to the WCMA and the Brenham Police Department.
The WCMA meets the 4th Thursday of every month at the Cannery Kitchen at noon. All clergy are invited to attend. National Night Out Against Crime is being held Tuesday, October 2, with parties all across the county. For more information, contact Pastor Johnnie Williams at 979-451-2586.