Al Patterson began his career as Police Chaplain on June 1, 2003, for the Tukwila Police Department. Prior to becoming a police chaplain, he was the Executive Director of Love in the Name of Christ, a non-profit agency that assists the needy in Southwest King County. He also worked 25 years in the aerospace industry as a graphic artist. He has volunteered as a Police Department volunteer since 2001 at the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC). He is a resident of Tukwila and is an ordained minister.
What does a Chaplain do?
Chaplain Al's duties include providing support and encouragement to department personnel and to the public when requested. He provides on-scene assistance during crisis events, provides pastoral care and referrals to professionals when needed. Chaplains serve as careful liaisons between crisis victims and local, state or national agencies. They also remain with the family during the period following a crisis or tragedy, until the family's personal minister or designated support arrives. Chaplains also perform weddings, funerals, and memorial services when requested. Police Chaplains are not on salary and their time is all on a volunteer basis. Chaplain Al is a full-time chaplain and receives his financial support through the Charteris Foundation (www.charteris.org) as donations are received from the community.
Al Patterson may be reached through the Tukwila Police Department at 206 433-1808 or by calling 9-1-1.
