PROFILE OF THE CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM AT YUBA CITY PD

BACKGROUND:  In 1984, a group of pastors and lay people came together to form a Police Chaplain's Program which would assist the law enforcement agencies in the Yuba-Sutter area.  Their goal was to provide aid to departments on an on-call (call-out) basis for critical incidents impacting employees and also be in a position to render assistance to citizens in crisis.  The group was called, "The Yuba-Sutter Chaplain's Organization."

In May, 1986, Chaplain McElfresh joined the group and in June of the same year, he was assigned to the Yuba City Police Department as its volunteer chaplain.  In 1988, he enhanced his understanding of the dynamics of police services by completing courses within the Administration of Justice Program at Yuba Community College.  While he qualified as a Certified Police Reserve Officer and wore the uniform of the Agency, he was not armed.  A cross, the symbol of the Christian Faith, took the place of the traditional number in the center of his badge.

In August, after twenty years of faithful service to the Department and community, Chaplain McElfresh relocated to the State of Virginia; however, in recognition for his long years of dedication to his calling, he was named Chaplain Emeritus of the Agency.

CURRENTLY:  Arthur Brandwood, a forty-six year veteran of police service, was named as the successor of Chaplain McElfresh.  Chaplain Brandwood  started his law enforcement career in his hometown of Miami, Floridain 1960 with the Miami-Dade Police Department.  In 1965 he came to the Oakland, CaliforniaPolice Department and served there for more than 15 years.  In June 1980 he became a member of the Yuba City Police Department.  In January of 1991 he joined the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department.  In January of 1999 he became a Consultant for the California Department of Corrections.

While he was with the Oakland Police Department he served for over four years as President of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers and he has been a guest speaker for many clubs and organizations for over 30 years. Coupled with Chaplain Brandwood’s extensive background, are decades of spiritual counseling to those in need.  Those within the communities where Art has served know his fervent commitment to his current calling.  In keeping with the purpose of the Chaplaincy Program, Chaplain Brandwood is available to employees and members of the community, regardless of any religious affiliation or lack thereof.

We welcome Chaplain Brandwood to the Department

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Emergency Call-out:  822-4661