Shreveport Police Department’s Police Pastors have a reputation of helping calm tempers in times of crisis, but their value to the city became loud and clear with a recent incident.
Pastor Calvin Kimble was at home preparing Thanksgiving dinner when he got a call from the grandmother of a man wanted in a double shooting. She was worried about her grandchild’s welfare and asked if Pastor Kimble could help.
Indeed, Kimble did help the man. With one phone call, Pastor Kimble began a trusting relationship with the suspect that grew until the man decided to turn himself in.
The story of what Police Pastors are doing in the community is very touching when you talk to the pastors themselves.
They truly care about the citizens they help, as well as the police officers they work with and get to know on a personal level.
The Police Pastor Program started about four years ago and involved more than a dozen local ministers from various denominations riding with police officers during their shifts. Their job was twofold: help the citizens who came in contact with the police, and help comfort the police during stressful times.
The program has gotten stronger with each passing year, as the pastors continue to find ways to help the community and give until it hurts.
Pastor Kimble and other Police Pastors will be available for interviews at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 1) in the conference room across from the Public Information Office, located on the first floor of the Shreveport Police Department, 1234 Texas Ave.