Expansion of Sheriff’s Chaplain Program Is Reflected at Ceremony

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department pinned badges on 23 ministers, priests and rabbis Tuesday as part of an effort to expand its chaplains program, officials said.

The program, spearheaded by Sheriff Mike Carona, will eventually have 32 volunteer chaplains covering all Sheriff’s Department jurisdictions in Orange County.

The chaplains’ main job is to counsel officers and crime victims, according to Lt. Fred Lisanti, head of San Clemente’s sheriff’s division. A smaller program using nine chaplains currently serves the San Clemente area.

“What we’ve found is they’ve become a sounding board for the deputies, helping them get rid of anguish and grief they’ve seen on the job,” said Lisanti, who helped organize the expansion.