On November 21, the North Royalton City Council unanimously approved the appointments of four chaplains that will be serving the North Royalton safety services. The four were introduced at the Council Safety Committee meeting before being approved at the City Council meeting, later that evening. An ordinance was adopted at the November 8 meeting which amended the City’s codified ordinances to include a new section that created the volunteer position of Chaplain of the Safety Forces.
The ordinance which amended the City’s ordinances adds the following: “230.07 CHAPLAIN OF THE SAFETY FORCES
(a) There is hereby established the position of Chaplain of the Safety Forces. Such positions shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor.
(b) There shall be no compensation paid to the volunteer who fills this position.
(c) The duties of the Chaplain shall be such duties as directed by the Mayor”
The four resolutions were introduced by Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz, that confirms his appointment of the four Chaplains of the City of North Royalton’s Safety Forces in accordance with North Royalton Codified Ordinances, 230.07. North Royalton Chief of Police Keith Tarase discussed the duties of the Chaplains, as referenced in the NRPD’s internal policy on the matter, which states that, “Chaplains assist the Department, its members and the community, as needed.” That includes, assisting the community by “fostering familiarity with the role of law enforcement in the community; Providing an additional link between the community, other chaplain coordinators and the Department; Providing liaison with various civic, business and religious organizations, among others. They also assist the departments through support and counseling.”
The four will serve the North Royalton Police and Fire Departments. The four are Pastor John Zahrte from Royal Redeemer, Pastor Joseph Egnor, who is a North Royalton resident of Cleveland Free Will Baptist Church, Father Michael Petkosek representing St. Albert the Great Parish, and Pastor Philip Hurlbert from State Road Community Church of the Nazarene. Hurlbert has also served as Chaplain for the Ohio State Highway Patrol for over twenty years.
North Royalton Detective, John Stolarski initiated the appointments, as a part of his role as the North Royalton Police Department Community Engagement Coordinator. He said that under his role, “the issue of chaplains came up for mental wellness, under the wellness programs. I started checking around to other agencies to see what they were doing.” Stolarski said that other surrounding communities have chaplains. “We have a good selection of churches represented,” said Stolarski. “The goal was to have different denominations.” He said that the Chaplains could do ride-alongs with the Police, be included in events, such as swearing-in and retirements and can assist with such things as death notifications, which would be a support not only to the officer, but the residents as well.
“I thank these individuals for volunteering their time to serve as Safety Forces Chaplains,” stated Tarase. “I look forward to working with them and believe that they will be a valuable asset and resource for our Safety Forces and the community.”

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer