SAPD Welcomes Reverend Dawkins As New Chaplain

SAN ANGELO, TX – This afternoon, the San Angelo Police Department welcomed its newest chaplain, Reverend Ralph Dawkins, in a ceremony attended by Chief Carter, the reverend's wife and family. Reverend Dawkins is now part of the seven chaplains who work with the SAPD.

Dawkins is a native of Brooklyn, New York but arrived to San Angelo after being transferred to Goodfellow Air Force Base in 1985. After completing a remote assignment, he returned to San Angelo with his family until he retired from the Air Force. He has also served the community as a pastor for Christian House of Faith for the last 23 years.

As chaplain Reverend Dawkins will be providing spiritual and emotional counseling to the officers of SAPD and their families. With recent events going on in the country and the police force, the chaplain believes it’s very important the officers are equipped to deal with the stress that arises from working on the force and protecting the community.

“I feel like it is an honor to serve in this capacity and to get the opportunity to interact with the SAPD, and support them in any way they need to be supported,” Dawkins said.

Dawkins will commence his duties as chaplain effective immediately, and will be on call 24/7 on his scheduled days. This allows officers the opportunity to receive the support they need at any time. The chaplain is a board certified counselor as well as a chartered member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

SAPD officials are happy to welcome the new chaplain to the organization, and are proud to have someone of his capacity join the team.

“Anytime we can welcome somebody into our agency who is willing to be in it with us, and really commit to us as an agency, is a very special thing,” said Tracy Gonzales, SAPD Public Information Officer.

Dawkins' family is also very happy and proud to see him continue his work and involvement in the community.

“I actually told him a week ago, 'It’s no wonder you are doing this because this is who you are,'” said Gwen Dawkins, Reverend Dawkins' wife of 35 years. 

SaveSave