Nothing uniform about problems police face

They may wear uniforms, but there is nothing uniform about the pain and problems police officers face in their daily lives, according to Rev. James Lefebvre, chaplain to the Albany Police Department.

Despite their tough-as-nails professional image, the men and women in blue are "very human individuals who hurt -- probably more than the average person," said Father Lefebvre, who is also pastor of St. Mary's Church in Albany. "The difference is police officers have a tendency to hide their suffering better than the average person."

After 32 years as the city's police chaplain, he should know. Father Lefebvre has lived through enough personal and public episodes of human drama to write the script for a prime-time TV cop show. Instead, he fiercely guards the identity of the officers he has counseled and consoled over the years.

Stress is high

"Let's just say that they are subject to all of the various problems that confront ordinary citizens only with a much higher degree of stress involved," he said. "When I say they hurt much more than the average person, I speak from the heart. I have seen it over and over. I won't say that they are all saints, but they do an excellent job of hiding their suffering and sorrows."

Now working with his third generation of city cops and their families, Father Lefebvre feels very much a part of their close-knit circle.

"As I look around at all of them, I think to myself, 'This is family,'" Father Lefebvre told The Evangelist. That "police family" includes not just Catholics but also members of the Jewish faith and other Christian denominations.

Family of police

A highlight of each year for the priest is seeing law enforcement officers from different faiths and from throughout New York State crowd St. Mary's for an annual memorial service for fellow officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The service takes place each May as part of Police Week ceremonies, explained Lt. Robert Wolfgang. It is, he added, but one of many programs started for the Albany Police Department by Father Lefebvre.

Lt. Wolfgang, a parishioner of St. James in Albany, said Father Lefebvre's contributions to the force have been immeasurable.

"I've been with the department almost 26 years now, and I've worked with Father during my entire career," he said. "During that time, I have watched him assume an ever-increasing number of roles. You might say he is an Employee Assistance Program all wrapped into one individual. He cares so much for the whole officer -- his spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. He assists our officers with both work-related and non-work-related problems. He's always there for us and willing to help address whatever situation or crisis that arises day or night."

Silver shield

Tangible proof of that sentiment can be found in the inscription on a plaque presented to Father Lefebvre last year by members of Albany Police Union. The 1996 Silver Shield Award was given to him for his "dedicated service and compassionate ministry," for his "presence and caring through the good as well as the difficult times," and for being "a shining example of selfless devotion on behalf of others."

One of the most poignant moments of Father Lefebvre's career as a police chaplain came the night an officer was killed in the line of duty. The task of delivering the heart-breaking news to the officer's two small children fell upon the priest's shoulders.

"It was the middle of the night, and their mother asked if I would go upstairs and tell the children," he recalled. "I didn't know what to say, so I told them a story about how the whole world is a field with a lot of seeds, including some seeds that are very special. Some of these seeds we call Father or Mother or Grandfather or Grandmother. Now God walks that field every day and watches flowers grow. Sometimes, they keep growing and bloom for a long, long time. But sometimes, at the exact moment that the bud opens and the flower is most beautiful, God picks it and brings it with Him to His table." So it was, Father Lefebvre said, with their father.

Scenes of sorrow

Other moments carved deeply into the police chaplain's memory include automobile and plane crashes, hostage-takings, and shoot-outs.

"You get such a flood of memories over the years," he said, "and each time someone you know and love dies, a part of you is buried with that person. You get so attached that when a tragedy happens, a part of you goes with them."

Father Lefebvre is quick to add that: "For all the tragedies that have happened, there's also humor. If I dwelt only on the tragedy, I'd be nuttier than a fruitcake!"

'My confessor, friend'

Richard Nowosielski was a student at St. Joseph's Academy in Albany when he first met Rev. James Lefebvre in the 1960s.

"Father was a young priest assigned to the school as a teacher and guidance counselor, and he was in charge of keeping guys like me on the straight and narrow," recalls Nowosielski, now a captain with the Albany Police Department.

More than a quarter of a century later, Captain Nowosielski says: "Father Lefebvre is still there to make me toe the line."

Police family

"How does a Catholic priest gain entry into the closed society of police and penetrate 'the Blue Curtain'? He must become part of the police family, and share in the pains, the hopes and the joys of those who serve," reflects Captain Nowosielski.

"In my case, Father baptized my two daughters, gave them First Communion and helped prepare them for Confirmation. He has helped me to grieve when family and friends passed away. He was with me when, as a sergeant, I was involved in a shoot-out where two other officers and I were nearly shot, and I just missed taking the life of a 19-year-old.

"When I have anger in my heart, he helps me release it. Through him, I have learned much of how to help the officers I work with, when they are in trouble or in need. He is my confessor and friend, always there to help me fight the battles in my personal war with human nature. I'm a better man and a better police officer for having known Father Lefebvre."

Wide effect

"My story is only one," the captain continued. "There are over 300 men and women on the Albany Police Department, and many of them have similar relationships with Father. He is there when an officer is involved in a serious incident or accident. He helps when we have difficulty with a spouse or other family problems.

"When we fall into alcoholism, gambling trouble, or if one of us needs mental care or can't handle the stress of this often terrible job, he seems to find the way to pluck us back from our own despair to start anew."

Captain Nowosielski says he has been witness to many occasions when Father Lefebvre lent moral and spiritual support to department members and their loved ones.

"It never mattered what religion they were -- or even if they had a religion. They were members who needed help, and that is always good enough for Father," he explained.

Large burden

The job of police chaplain, says Captain Nowosielski, is a big -- and often thankless -- one, and he sometimes worries about the clergyman who has done so much to help Albany officers.

"Just how many human problems can a person have pushed on him without suffering negative consequences?" he asks.

Other times, the senior officer believes Father Lefebvre thrives on positive accomplishments made out of the problems he helps with.

"His smile is infectious, and his sense of humor terrific, though he often uses it as a weapon to disarm the most difficult of situations," notes Captain Nowosielski. "It takes a special person to deal with the duties of a police chaplain. Father Lefebvre does it for Albany, and there is no doubt he is our special person. Since St. Michael the Archangel is the patron of police officers, then logic dictates that police chaplains must be his earthbound representatives." (AH)

(02-06-97) [[In-content Ad]]