Pell City Police Department Chaplain James Dendy retired August 20. Police Chief Turley was there to present the chaplain with his retirement credentials from the PCPD Chaplain Program.

The chaplain had been a part of the police program since it’s conception.  Chaplain Dendy was a large part of the Pell City Police Department. He was there to be a comfort in times of tragedy for the police force as well as the community. In addition to his religious duties, the chaplain also spent time out with officers patrolling the area. “My favorite thing was being out in a patrol car. It was great to be a part of what the officers do on a daily basis,” Dendy said.

The officers he worked with helped create an enjoyable atmosphere for the chaplain.  “The camaraderie on the force was great, I really enjoyed working with the people I worked with,” Dendy said.

 “When the chaplain arrives on scene with an officer, there is a presence of God’s hand in the crisis that our peacekeepers are called to,” said Chief Turley.

One moment that stood out to the chaplain was the death of Officer Surles death in 2008. “The officer was hospitalized for a while, and I was able to go and spend the majority of the time with him there,” says Dendy.

The years of service the chaplain provided are treasured; not only by the police department but also by the community he served.