What have some of our students said in the past about OCA?
Although I’ve been a police chaplain for seven years, the academy was a great refresher for some foundational aspects of chaplaincy. It was great to be inspired by our senior chaplains. I appreciated their passion and practical experience that spurred me to fulfill my calling. And it was a great place to connect with fellow chaplains. Thanks so much!
Brian Early – Gladstone, OR
I left Salem after graduation with a togo bag full of years of experiences. Little did I know that a week later I would get a call from my Police Chief. A rescue was under way for two missing boaters. One was a volunteer fire fighter. When I arrived that morning, four members from the fire department were on the shore, the rest – from multiple agencies – were out looking for the two missing people. two days later, the two were found. We staged nearby as they were brought in. The volunteer was covered with a flag. A few days later I was debriefing fire/rescue and just days later I was asked by family to do the opening prayer, scripture reading and closing prayer.
Peggy Oneal – Umatilla, OR
It was great to be able to attend the Chaplain Academy. Not only did did we receive some great basic training, but we also got to hear directly from police, firemen, and CSI about how chaplains have impacted their lives and work.
It was also a great blessing to talk to Chaplains who have been doing this for years and who could give us firsthand experience the things they have learned. Their hearts for those they work with was inspiring and I appreciate so very much their willingness to share their lives with us.
Laura Huerta – Hillsboro, OR
I attended the Oregon Chaplains Academy in the Spring of 2019. It was a great experience that has prepared me to be a Chaplain that can make a difference in my community. The Academy teaching staff was excellent – well prepared and engaging. The handout – take home materials are immensely helpful. The facility is great – and the food was so very good. I hope you will attend in the future.
Gene Haraldsen – Independence Oregon
This was a GREAT experience for me! I have been in the field for about 10 months with some calls under my belt. But still was feeling really green. So the timing was perfect, and the information is priceless. The time you have with fellow Chaplains is a added benefit. Our Instructors do a great job with the material and the testimonies. The guest speaker each day was great to hear from about their relationships with their Chaplains, plus letting each of us know what not to say. The environment was conducive to help keep you focused on the task at hand with out distractions, and the food was excellent. I highly recommend the Oregon Chaplains Academy!!!
Richard Ross, Bend, OR
The Oregon Chaplains Academy was an exceptional training experience. It was a week well spent giving us the all the basics tools we need to serve those in need. After finishing the academy I gained the confidence I needed to best serve those who serve others. Thanks for the excellent training. I highly recommend this training to those who want to serve as Chaplains in Oregon.
Steve Mohr, Independance, OR
These facilitators provided practical insights that were thought out, clinically up to date and with INFO that was on target
You have done an amazing job of putting this training together! I would HIGHLY recommend it to any chaplain without reserve.
The aspects shared on suicide, and the therapeutic care provided first responders were professionally presented and necessary to have in EVERY training.
Keith Lamm – Yamhill County, OR
The OCA was a wonderful experience and it succeeded my expectations. The instructors were very professional, experienced and with so much knowledge. The passion each of them have for Chaplaincy sets the expectations very high because they are committed and love what they do with such a genuine heart. They all bring a personal touch that is so positive and encouraging. I was so inspired by the personal stories and also challenged emotionally. At the end of the academy, I was leaving a group of such neat people that I can call friends. I am so grateful for all the instructors, my peers and DPSST for hosting us like family and their amazing staff. Thank you OCA for an outstanding training unforgettable experience.
Katelyn Gonzalez – Tualatin Valley, OR
Thanks for putting in the hard work for the training we received!!
What to say about the OCA? I have been to other chaplain trainings and this, hands down, was the best! I loved how they kept us engaged and I appreciated the hearts of the instructors. My favorite part was the evening briefings where we would sit in a circle and hear a story of a special guest. I look forward to working with this team in the future and glean as much as I can in my chaplaincy career.
Freddy Moran – Independence, OR
Not only did the Academy offer solid training by skilled and vetted trainers, the non-class times fostered networking and the sharing of stories that encouraged, inspired and challenged me in many ways
Liz Williams, Molalla, OR
I very much enjoyed the Advanced Chaplain Training at the OCA. The quality of instructors were incredible. The level of training was beyond any I have experienced before. I came away wondering why this isn’t what you get in the beginning. It was real, direct and professionally presented. My best take away class was given by Deputy Chief of Police Bob Day. Wow! Honest. Straightforward. From his heart and his many years of experience. It took courage to share as Deputy Chief Day did, but his impact on me will be lifelong. I’m now waiting for the Advanced Advanced Chaplains Training!
Tim Mayne, Netarts-Oceanside, OR
I enjoyed the high level of professionalism in all of the instructors, and felt when I left that I was better equipped and more confident in “being there” for my law enforcement officials.
Jeff Humphrey, Island County, WA
I was impressed by the quality of the students as well as the faculty and staff. I had heard of some of these chaplains through the past few years, but it was great to get to know more of them, and hear their stories about incidents they responded to, and learned from. Always a good thing to learn from others’ experiences before they become my own!
Kenton Johnson, Clackamas, OR
For me there was no such thing as a boring class. Each instructor brought a wealth of experience and knew how to teach it to chaplains. I highly recommend OCA for any chaplain who is serious about their calling.
Nick Williams, Molalla, OR
In October 2018 I attended the OCA Advanced Chaplains Academy at DPSST. The quality of the presentations and instructors exceeded my expectations. The breadth of materials covered the everyday requirements of a Chaplain. Learning from experienced professionals and seasoned chaplains alongside peers from across Oregon and Washington was truly worthwhile. The DPSST facilities were the right setting and staff went out of their way to provide a perfect learning and living environment.
Alex Cross, West Linn, OR
I entered the academy as a new chaplain who had just earned his wings. The absolutely stellar instructors, content, and guest speakers gave me the confidence I needed to do this job, and do it well. I am so grateful to the OCA, and feel blessed for my new band of brothers and sisters.
Jerry Shiffer, Silverton, OR
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