History

The Omaha program began in 1982 under the direction of Mr. Joe Friend, Public Safety Director for the City of Omaha. This program was modeled after a Chaplain program in Johnson County, Kansas. The organizing members were Rev. Henry Gittler, Rev. Thomas Rollerson and Fr. Cannon.

Senior Chaplains

Rev. Henry Gittler 1982-1996
Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker 1996-2004
Rev. Dr. F. Cole Fowler 2005-2007
Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker 2007-2012
Rev. Lonnie R. Dinneen 2012-present

Liaisons

Deputy Chief Martin Crowley
Captain Michael Pecha
Lieutenant Barry DeJong
Deputy Chief Barb Hauptman
Sergeant Steve Cerveny
Captain Michele Bang (current)
Deputy Chief Elizabeth Davis (current)

Since the inception of the program, the Omaha Police Department has provided a marked vehicle and official credentialing that includes a chaplain identification badge. The approved uniform consists of a black clerical shirt with OPD shoulder patches and badge holder. A windbreaker style identification jacket is also provided. Various communication devices have been provided over the years.

Core Values

The Omaha program established four requirements that are still in effect today:
1) Must be ordained clergy persons or vowed men and women in religious communities
2) Must possess a college degree in addition to having theological training
3) Must have served or be currently serving in a religious capacity
4) Must adhere to the seal of confession