PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2022

He and the other chaplains take turns filling shifts. “We’re here for the officer and their families,”’ Johnson said. “We build a ministry of presence. It gives us access to the officers.” At first, Johnson did not get many visitors fromofficers, who seemedwary of the newcomer. But over time, they warmed to Johnson’s familiar face. “It’s really just being a listening ear and establishing an element of trust,” he said. “If they want to vent, it’s a judgment-free zone.” These days, off icers pop into Johnson’s office throughout the day. He has become part of the ebb and flow at the police station, with officers regularly calling out, “Hey, Chap! How’s it going?” Officers are afforded confidentially by the chaplains, who are of multiple faiths and ethnicities. The pastors do not push religion, Johnson said. “We’re not here to proselytize,” he said. “We’re here to listen.”

‘WE WANT TO BE THAT BRIDGE, BECAUSE WE STAND IN BOTH LANES’

Martin Johnson

They’re also there for the community. On a rotating schedule, there is a chap lain on-call 24-7 regarding any crisis situation. In such cases, the on-scene police commander can summon a chap lain, who can offer comfort and make any needed referrals to social-service agencies and other support services. In one recent case, Johnson was called to the scene of the death of an 8-month-old. The distraught mother was beside herself with grief and could not communicatewith officers. Johnson was called to intercede.

“Initially, it was difficult,” he said. “The loss of a family member, it’s hard for an outsider to penetrate that.” But Johnson eventually was able to talk with the mom, providing her with support services, including a funeral home willing to help with expenses for the burial. Officers noticed his ability to assist in the difficult situation. “They said they were grateful I was there,” Johnson said.

Johnson also is thankful. “We’re grateful to be able to serve in this capacity,” he said. “Whenwe step up, we canwalk out the Scriptures. We can begin to turn the city of Peoria around.”

Phil Luciano is a senior writer/columnist for Peoria Magazine and content contributor to public television station WTVP

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