Members of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Chaplain Corps met with Sheriff Jay Russell and members of his staff recently to recognize their 20th anniversary.
The Chaplain Corps began under the administration of Sheriff Laymon Godwin in 1994. Chief Deputy Richard Fewell felt there was a need for a ministry program to be available for deputies and their families. Rev. Andy Myric, Rev. Martin and Rev. Jeff Luellen were the original first 3 chaplains commissioned by Sheriff Godwin. Both Rev. Myrick and Rev. Luellen have served with the group since the beginning and are current members. Sheriff Russell presented them with a plaque recognizing their service to the Corps and the community. The Corps has been active since the inception in 1994 and has grown under the administration of Sheriff Jay Russell. Sheriff Russell recognizes the importance of the program and the positive impact it has on the Department and the citizens of Ouachita parish.
The Chaplains serve many roles for the Sheriff’s Office. While the primary responsibility has always been and is still the role of counselors for the deputies, they also are involved in funeral services, hospital visitation programs, OCC ministry, and other duties. Each year, the group receives specialized training offered by the International Conference of Police Chaplains, in addition to training normally offered to deputies.
Currently, the Corps has 10 Chaplains. One is a full time employee at OCC and oversees the inmate ministry program. The remaining nine chaplains serve on a volunteer basis. Six of the nine are church pastors in Ouachita Parish; the other three are active in community ministry.
Current members are:
Sr. Chaplain – Rev. Jeff Luellen
Departmental Chaplains – Rev. Danny Chance, Rev. Johnny Holyfield, Rev. Gregg Riley, Rev. Gary Sapp and Rev. Billy Taylor
Ministry Chaplains – Rev. Charles Stevenson, Rev. Andy Myrick and Rev. Don Banks
OCC – Rev. Felix Ross
Rev. Andy Myrick, Sheriff Jay Russell and Rev. Jeff Luellen
