Annual Training Seminar 2002

The 2002 Annual Training Seminar was held at Loyola House Retreat Centre, Guelph, Ontario on September 16th through 20th. There were 45 chaplains in attendance, representing all regions of Canada as well as departments in the United States. Dan Nolta, the President of the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), was a registered participant.

We were fortunate to have Chaplain Ron Alter from Spokane, WA and Chaplain Malcolm Wilson, RCMP relating to the seminar their experiences as Responders to the 9/ll incident at New York. They demonstrated the value of having a network, such as ours, that has the structure to enable trained personnel to respond to traumatic situations. Their presentation included personal stories of how lives were changed in so many different ways. For those of us who did not have the opportunity to have 'first hand' experience with 9/ll, Ron and Malcolm brought us close to the drama.

A number of members took advantage of a certificate course in CPR and basic First Aid through the leadership of an RCMP instructor. The alternative option was an opportunity to advance the learning in Personal Threat Management. Each of these training sessions was held during the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday.

The plans for the seminar included an 'evening out' at the Wellington Breweries on Tuesday night. Not only did we enjoy the time for fellowship among ourselves, but we were professionally entertained by two local policemen. We had the afternoon and evening at the historic site of St. Jacobs where we had supper together.

The Thursday evening banquet had A/Commr.Freeman Sheppard, RCMP "O" Div. speak to the seminar: "Caring for the Caregivers".

The seminar began on Monday evening with a buffet meal and a welcome from the officials of the Ontario Provincial Police and it concluded on Friday morning with the Memorial Service.

Those who attended the seminar certainly enjoyed wonderful meals along with the more than adequate accommodations. The morning worship services were well planned and led, which set the tone for each day. It was definitely a worthwhile way to spend four days.