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About Chaplain Leo

I have a passion for helping people during difficult times. As a widower and having watched my 20 month old daughter battle a rare cancer, I saw firsthand the importance of having strong emotional and spiritual support. My parents both served in the military and had long civilian careers as a Police Officer and ER Nurse. I have always had a love and respect for uniformed personnel; and enjoyed serving my country in the Army National Guard. My church, Grace Chapel, asked me to be a lead in their outreach Ministry Response Team and through this experience I was led to Responders Resource Center where I completed the Community Chaplain Training Program. I fell in love with Chaplain work and felt a strong calling to become one full time. I joined the non-profit, Public Safety Chaplaincy in late 2021 as a volunteer Chaplain. I currently serve the following groups and agencies, TVF&R, Dundee Fire, McMinnville Police & Fire, Amity Fire, Aurora Fire, Newberg Police Department, Washington County Sheriff Office, SW CISM Team and Oregon Fire Chief Association. 

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     Training and Certifications:

  • Responder's Resource Center Community Chaplain Program 

  • Oregon Chaplain Academy Basic Training

  • Oregon Chaplain Academy Advanced

  • CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management)

  • EMDR Intervention (Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol)

  • Responder Life PRO-React Training (Peer Support)

  • ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

  • All Clear Foundation ResponderStrong Trainer

  • Prepare/Enrich Facilitator

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  • Professional Affiliations:

  • AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors)

  • ICISF (International Critical Incident Stress Foundation)

  • FFC (Federation of Fire Chaplains)

  • ICPC (International Conference of Police Chaplains)

  • Chaplain for the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association

  • SW Washington CISM Team

  • Responder Life Peer Support Team

  • NVFC (National Volunteer Fire Council)

  • Yamhill County CERT Team

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Who else is behind the scenes at Hope Chaplain?
My wife, Nicole, does all the graphic design, vehicle graphics, web design and print materials like the newsletter.  She also owns a small vintage store in Aurora, Oregon called Little Black Dog Vintage. We are newly married (June 2023) and have three teen children, McKayla (18), Leo (16) and Maddie (15).

Nicole has been by my side since creating Hope Chaplain and we are enjoying growing this ministry together. She has a passion and heart for first responders, and while she doesn't go on any chaplain calls, she is my sounding board, my partner in prayer and my partner in life.  We are both here and available to serve in any capacity we can. 

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