Search
-
September 10, 2020Lt. Cody Koelsch with the Oklahoma City Police Department said he owes his life to the Catholic chaplains office. He carries an extra layer of protection in addition to his bullet-proof vest – a special card with the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel that he recites when he leaves home.
“I supervise four other officers and due to the stresses of the position, I recommend that they seek help through the Wellness Program and or the Chaplain Program,” Koelsch said.
Koelsch said a week after Father Brian Buettner, pastor of Saint Joseph Old Cathedral downtown and a police chaplain, held his annual Blessing of the Badges in 2014, Koelsch was shot twice. He said his vest and the blessing protected him. The bullet impacted his chest near the badge that had been blessed by Father Buettner.
“I doubt I would be here today without that blessing,” he said.
Koelsch said his officers have constant opportunities to go above and beyond the call of duty and “Go Make Disciples!” His officers and their families frequently help families in need, following the corporal works of mercy as their guide.
Father Buettner, who administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in the emergency room after Lt. Koelsch was injured, has been a police chaplain since 2014. In addition, Father Buettner has the support from a number of retired police officers who have become deacons.
“It has been a great honor serving the police officers, dispatchers, their families and the wider community. I have been very impressed with the great love our officers have for the community they serve,” Father Buettner said.
“Many times when the police chaplain is called out, the officers need someone they can trust and talk freely to. The shootings, hostage situations and fatality wrecks that I have been called to have allowed me to accompany and minister to many people during very traumatic moments in their lives. I’m grateful to be a part of the law enforcement family.”
Captain Tom Krug with the Oklahoma City Police Department knows first-hand the balance of being a strong Catholic and a dedicated officer.
He has been an officer for nearly 30 years and has a son, Father Jerome Krug, who is a Catholic priest. Tom Krug’s dad also was a policeman and remembers him talking about fellow officers struggles with the job, divorce, health issues, lack of sleep, etc., and how important faith is to keeping a proper balance.
“I encourage my officers to use the services of the Wellness Program and the chaplain’s office.” Krug said. “Over the years, the Catholic chaplains have earned a well-deserved reputation that they keep things confidential, whether you are Catholic or non-Catholic.”
To celebrate first responders and chaplains, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City holds a Blue Mass each year. This year, the Blue Mass will be held Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Saint John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Yukon.
“The Blue Mass is an opportunity to intentionally pray for all of our first responders and to also bless their badges. This includes law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers and support staff,” Father Buettner. “It is normally celebrated on or near Sept. 29, the Feast of Archangels, since Saint Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of first responders.”
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Lt. Cody Koelsch, commander of the Oklahoma City Police Honor Guard, presents a flag to a family during training. Photo provided.
