Gallup law enforcement to be honored

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Philip Stake
Staff writer

Law enforcement officers are never “off duty.'” They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place that the peace is threatened.

They need all the help that they can get.
— Barbara Boxer (U.S. Senator from California)
GALLUP — On Sunday Emmanuel Baptist Church will honor the men and women whose duty is to serve and protect.

The Rev. Mike Kleeberger, who doubles as chaplain for Gallup Police Department, invites law enforcement officers of all walks — including state, Navajo and local police, county deputies, judges, correction officers, FBI agents, dispatchers and district attorneys — as well as anyone who recognizes the ofttimes thankless effort put forth by these individuals, to this Sunday’s worship service and luncheon being held in their honor.

The service starts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 213 South Boardman Ave. in Gallup.

“The challenges law enforcement officers face here are intense,” Kleeberger said. “They deal with a small percentage of the community, which exhibits habitual ugliness ... this is some affirmation. We just need to say ‘thanks.’”

This year’s guest speaker is Chaplain Bob Keller of the Paloma Police Department in Paloma, Calif. Previous years’ speakers include Tim Sherman, field chaplain for the Otter Tail County (Minnesota) Sheriff’s Department, and Mark Stephan, a retired lieutenant from the Philadelphia Police Department. As did previous year’s speakers, Keller will meld his specific law enforcement experiences with biblical scripture.

Like Keller, Kleeberger’s chaplain post has exposed him to a vulnerable side of typically brick-faced police officers; he frequently wanders the GPD hallways in order to be available to officers who may need to talk about an emotionally burdensome case.

“As I’m in there walking around, talking to people, some will share their troubles,” Kleeberger said.

He also rides shotgun with officers on patrol, wearing full vest and uniform, which he said provides a unique perspective on the day-to-day toil of police work.

“These are people who are putting their life on the line and often get the feeling from their community that they are not liked.”

So Kleeberger and Emmanuel Baptist Church are hoping to prove otherwise. For the seventh consecutive year, community members are invited to attend the “Law Enforcement Sunday” service, to show thanks, if for no other reason. Law enforcement officers and their families are invited to receive this show of thanks, as well as a complimentary lunch, which will be provided by Emmanuel Baptist Church following the service.