Chaplain's Corner
Chaplain Commander

Briane L. Dennison
(505)768-2131 
bdennison@cabq.gov

We are excited you have visited our homepage.

As we reflect over the past four decades, we are reminded of the early beginnings, when the Albuquerque Police Volunteer Chaplain Unit grew from a proposal by a local minister, the Reverend Virgil Bonto. Reverend Bonto approached then Chief of Police Paul A. Shaver and shared the vision of having a chaplain unit for the police department.

On March 10, 1969, Chief Shaver appointed the Reverend John A. "Jack" Price as the first Chaplain Commander to oversee 35 ministers and a motor vehicle donated by a local automobile agency. In 1998, the Albuquerque Law Enforcement Building was named after Commander Price.

Today, Department Chaplains continue to serve as "ambassadors" dedicated to providing a ministry of presence, support and counsel to members of the Albuquerque Police Department, their families and the community.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our homepage!

2011 Chaplain of the Year

Police Chief Ray Schultz recognized Chaplain Don Bruckner at the department's Awards and Appreciation Banquet on January 21st. Chaplain Bruckner was honored for his distinguished service as a volunteer. Full Story>>

Chaplains and Officers Deliver Food Baskets to Families

On December 17, 2011, ninety-three families received a special delivery from the Albuquerque Police Department - food, gifts, and a warm smile. The Christmas Food Challenge was inspired by Chaplain Leo Collymore, who wanted the men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department to give back to their community with food baskets to families in need.

Initially the goal was to deliver two food baskets, but Foothills Area Commander Cliff Saylor challenged Collymore to deliver 25 boxes. As a result, donations began pouring in from officers of the Foothills Area Command, neighborhood associations, churches and other units within the police department.

A grateful family remarked, "We have been going through some hard times lately. Yet to know that there are kind generous people like you all (APD) warmed our hearts and brought tears to our eyes. Thank you all for everything you do for us to keep our community a safe place for my children to grow up in."

Will you answer the call? If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Police Chaplain:

• Download, open, and print the following documents:
• Application for Volunteer Police Chaplain