Groveland Twp.-Reverend Dennis Emmons of Lake Orion is the first chaplain for the Michigan State Police-Groveland Team. Currently, there are 29 acting state police chaplains statewide.
Emmons was ordained in 1983 and is the current pastor at Gingellville Community Church in Orion Township. He also serves as chaplain for the Lake Orion Police Department.
Emmons received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Grand Valley University in 1976 and has a master’s degree in religious education from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary in 1983.
When Emmons was in the Grand Rapids area for seminary school, the post commander for the Michigan State Police Lakeview Post suggested being a chaplain.
‘Another reason I was prompted to become involved with them was my son. He is currently in training at the academy and that made it easier to make my decision.?
Years ago, Emmons wanted to become involved with the ATF, FBI or Michigan State Police, but the economy wasn’t at it’s best, which didn’t make way for very few open positions. ‘This way, it’s another opportunity for me to serve God and fulfill my calling.?
The MSP Chaplain Corps began in 1932, with two chaplains, a catholic monsignor from Flint and a Presbyterian minister from Kalamazoo. Both had previously served in World War I as military chaplains.
‘Emmons will occasionally visit the troopers, assist in family crisis, such as delivering a death message, and ride alongs. It’s important for him to see what they do with the public,? said Sgt. David Wiegand.
Other pastoral duties Emmons will be asked to perform are providing spiritual and emotional support for department members and their families, visiting sick and injured officers and family members, assisting with spouse and family needs, performing funeral ceremonies and participating in post or district meetings.