Peer Support and Chaplain Program
Community and Staff SupportConfidential support for police employees and their families through a trained Peer Support team, a clinical director and Chaplain K. Fleece.
8
Peer Support Team Members
Including the chaplain and clinical director
2024
Chaplain Fleece Joined the Department
Confidential
All Counseling and Peer Contact
About the Peer Support and Chaplain Program
The Chesterfield Township Department of Public Safety Peer Support Program provides confidential assistance to all police employees experiencing personal or professional challenges. Team members help officers navigate the mental and emotional demands of the job, promote well-being, and reduce the stigma around seeking help.
The team provides resources, referrals to professional counseling, and strategies for coping with the unique stresses of law enforcement, fostering a culture of resilience and mental health awareness within the department. Dr. LaMaurice H. Gardner serves as the program's clinical director.
Chaplain K. Fleece joined the Department of Public Safety in 2024 and quickly embraced her role as a supporter of first responders. She provides confidential counseling for staff and their families, responds to critical incidents, and helps bridge the gap between first responders and the community.
Peer Support Team
- Lt. M. McPhillips
- Sgt. M. Ogden
- Sgt. J. Lee
- Ofc. K. Treier
- Ofc. R. Wilson
- Ofc. N. Mlynarski
- Chaplain K. Fleece
- Dr. LaMaurice H. Gardner, clinical director
Employee Wellness and Support
The chaplain is available to officers and civilian staff for confidential conversations about the pressures of the job, at the station or during informal check-ins on shift and at roll call.
- Confidential counseling for officers and civilian staff
- Support for stress, burnout, trauma exposure and cumulative PTSD
- Marriage and family stress counseling related to shift work and policing
- Guidance during career crises or disciplinary stress
- Assistance for officers experiencing substance use concerns
- Informal check-ins during shifts or roll calls
Critical Incident Response
Critical incidents are part of the job for first responders. The chaplain responds alongside the department when the worst happens and stays involved afterward.
- Officer-involved shootings
- Line-of-duty deaths
- Child fatalities
- Mass casualty incidents
- Suicides
- Major accidents
- Supporting involved officers and their families
- Assisting with death notifications
- Helping organize critical incident stress management (CISM)
- Providing follow-up wellness checks
Family Support
The stresses of policing reach home. The chaplain works with spouses and families as well as employees.
- Family support meetings
- Guidance for spouses dealing with shift work and stress
- Support after critical incidents involving an officer
- Counseling for retirement transition
- Assistance during serious illness or death in families
Community Bridge
The chaplain also serves residents, helping connect the department with the community it protects.
- Attending community events
- Supporting victims during crises
- Assisting officers when delivering tragic news
- Acting as a neutral, compassionate presence during tense situations
Department Chaplain
In Pictures
Peer Support and Chaplain Program Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the Peer Support Program?
All Chesterfield Township police employees experiencing personal or professional challenges. Contact with the team is confidential.
Who is on the Peer Support team?
Lt. M. McPhillips, Sgt. M. Ogden, Sgt. J. Lee, Ofc. K. Treier, Ofc. R. Wilson, Ofc. N. Mlynarski and Chaplain K. Fleece, with Dr. LaMaurice H. Gardner as clinical director.
Does the chaplain help residents too?
Yes. Chaplain Fleece attends community events, supports victims during crises and assists officers when delivering tragic news.
Is the chaplain program religious?
The chaplain serves as a neutral, compassionate presence for employees and residents of any background. Counseling is confidential and support is offered regardless of faith.
Related Programs
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Friends of Chesterfield Police
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose sole purpose is supporting the police department through the open house, a bowling fundraiser, the K-9 unit and the junior academy.
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Community Outreach
From National Night Out to CPR classes and school visits, the department takes part in events across the township all year to build relationships with residents.
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