Clergy to Help Officers Tell Families of Tragedy
Seven clergy members have volunteered to help law enforcement officers here when they inform families that a loved one is dead, hurt or in trouble.
The program started when Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead told the Rev. Brian Mortenson that he and his officers sometimes felt they could do more to help families touched by tragedy. Mortenson agreed to help, and the program has expanded to the Sioux Falls Police Department.
The seven pastors from various denominations, from Lutheran to Church of Christ, take turns responding. They help officers with death notifications, serious accidents, family disturbances and other situations.
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