Taking care of the people who take care of us
WDFW’s chaplains play a big role behind the scenes
Warning: This article include content on suicide and substance abuse.
Who’s got your back when you’re the one people usually come to for help, but you need some help of your own? Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police officers and dispatchers have their share of critical incidents and trauma response, which can take a tremendous amount of physical, mental, and emotional energy. WDFW officers know that many of the people they encounter are carrying dangerous weapons, engaged in illegal activity, or are in emotional distress. While most contacts made by officers are with law abiding people just looking to enjoy the outdoors by harvesting fish, shellfish, or a game animal, there are always exceptions.
“In 1988 I was assaulted by a man with a firearm. I ended up taking the gun away from him and arresting him,” said Chaplain Mike Neil. “But I ended up having PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) from the incident.”
Following 30 years as a WDFW Police Officer, Neil is spending his retirement taking care of other officers experiencing similar reactions. Being a chaplain wasn’t in his plan, but a family tragedy, losing his daughter in a bicycling accident, changed all his plans.
“A year later after suffering that, I realized that after literally and figuratively crying a five-gallon bucket of tears, I wanted to use those tears rather than pour them out,” Neil said. “I decided to use my tears to help other people get through their grief.”
Chaplain Bob Purdy also knows the pain of losing a child. He lost twin girls in separate incidents years apart. He also uses that experience to help others.
“I’ve ridden along with officers that have dealt with their own family issues; deaths of children both their own and incidents they responded to; logging accidents, especially when they have a child or children of about the same age. It has the tendency to eat on them, whether they’re a Fish and Wildlife Officer or any first responder,” said Purdy.
Purdy also had no plans to become a chaplain, until he met Neil. When Neil’s close friend, Forest Service Officer Christine Fairbanks, was killed in Washington in the line of duty in 2008, his captain encouraged him to organize chaplains to talk with WDFW officers. Neil started the Washington State Chaplain Foundation, which led to the National Police and Fire Chaplain Academy. He then recruited Purdy (and others), who completed the academy and has been working with both WDFW and Washington State Patrol officers for about eight years.
There are now eight chaplains that work with WDFW Enforcement staff. Purdy is based out of the Spokane area, while Neil is in Gig Harbor, with others covering areas between across the state. All the chaplains work on a volunteer basis and make themselves available when asked but also respond when there are incidents in their communities
“When there was a shooting and standoff in Ferry County several years ago, Bob was one of the first on the phone asking how he could help,” said WDFW Sgt. Tony Leonetti. “He came up on his own accord and brought snacks and water and was just there to support us through the whole ordeal and offered to talk with anyone who wanted to afterwards.”
Several officers reached out following that incident.
“One of the guys told me that was the best cup of coffee he ever had,” said Purdy of an officer who took him up on that offer; not because of the brand of coffee but because of the conversation.
Both Purdy and Neill say they put an emphasis not on preaching but listening.
“He will tell me ‘I’ve got two ears and I’ll just sit down and listen’,” said Leonetti.
Both chaplains have a history with law enforcement and know the impact it can have on mental health. Neil’s grandfather was also a game warden in Washington, while Purdy learned about the stresses of the field from his father, who was a state trooper in upstate New York. Purdy refers to the build-up of stress and trauma that first responders experience as “rocks in your backpack”- carrying unresolved stress, trauma, grief, and other emotions with them until the load becomes too heavy and a breakdown occurs. That breakdown can manifest many ways. Research shows that PTSD symptoms are associated with increased substance abuse in first responders and that they have an increased risk for suicide or suicide attempts. Purdy says how you deal with it dictates if trauma becomes a rock or an experience.
“I had Bob ride along with me like twice a month for a time and learned from him some of the best coping skills to just deal with the stress,” said Leonetti. “Plus, he knows hunting and fishing, so he has that perspective as well.”
WDFW chaplains do not get paid for their time. Depending on the season and situation, they can work many hours a month. But both Neil and Purdy say they love the work, feel it is their calling, and are happy to put in the time.
“I have big ears and a small mouth- although my wife wouldn’t agree- and am here to listen and help,” said Purdy.
WDFW Police are truly thankful for the compassion and commitment of the chaplains they work with to support Enforcement staff and officers as an ever-available lifeline and to help lift up the men and women who have sworn to serve and protect the people of Washington state.
Chaplain Bob Purdy also volunteers with WDFW outside of his chaplaincy work. He leads a group of young people interested in law enforcement to recover road killed big game animals. He and his group pick up carcasses, butcher, process, and package the meat and distribute it to local church groups, food banks, and other charities to benefit local communities and prevent wasting meat.
