JIMBOOMBA Anglican priest Father Dan Talbot was inducted as a part-time police chaplain at a ceremony last week.
The gathering at St James the Great Anglican Church was attended by high-ranking police officials including Acting Assistant Commissioner Steve Hollands and Acting Chief Superintendent Logan District Noel Powers.
Father Talbot stepped into the role of police chaplain 12 months ago but the ceremony made his placement official and recognised his contribution.
Father Talbot said the role involved providing pastoral care to police officers as well as conducting weddings, baptisms and funerals.
"It involves supporting police officers, it's about helping them to do their job the best they can," Father Talbot said.
Father Talbot said police chaplains were often called out to support police at the scene of a traumatic event.
"You're actually there in the midst of it so you know what you're talking about, you understand because you're actually there as it happens," he said.
Chief Superintendent Powers said the role of police chaplains was extremely important.
"Chaplains provide a level of spiritual rehabilitation that contributes to helping officers cope with a particular event or series of events that have confronted them," he said.
"The reliance on police chaplains, particularly in Dan's case, can't be understated."
Chief Superintendent Powers said police officers saw many things in the line of duty which could make them question their faith.
"Dan is such an approachable man and provides stability, rational thinking and commonsense," he said.
"It's a tremendous day for him and I thank his family for their contribution."