Currently there are two Chaplains: Chaplain Jim Becknall and Chaplain Bryan Allen. Jim has been a Chaplain since 1998 and Bryan came on board in 2016.
The San Jose Police Chaplaincy program was founded by three police officers in 1977, Lt. Larry Thannisch, Lt. Bill Erfurth and Sgt. Fred Reid. They wanted to provide a service for members and families of the San Jose Police Department. The objective has grown over the years to also provide services for the citizens of the City of San Jose. The program operates with the approval and support of the SJPD Administration and the San Jose Police Officer’s Association.
Chaplain Dave Bridgen served the Department faithfully for over 30 years and retired in 2014. Currently there are two Chaplains: Chaplain Jim Becknall and Chaplain Bryan Allen. Jim has been a Chaplain since 1998 and Bryan came on board in 2016. There are also many volunteer community chaplains, representing various faiths that serve police and citizens in a time of crisis. They assist any member, family member or retired member of the San Jose Police Department as well as members of the community. The chaplains are available to any one regardless of religious beliefs.
The chaplains take part in many departmental functions such as promotions, graduation ceremonies and training; they assist during times of crisis as well as counsel and support the San Jose Community. The chaplains assist families with funeral arrangements and grief counseling. They conduct Critical Incident Management services. The two chaplains are on call 24-7 and respond to any situation. There is a Chaplaincy Board of Directors that the two Chaplains are responsible too.
