Beginning July 1, Smyrna will enact its City Chaplaincy Program for its city employees and their families.
The proposal was approved 7-0 recently by the Smyrna City Council.
This program follows up on the success of the Chaplaincy Programs for the Smyrna Police and Fire Departments.
In 2015, the Smyrna Police Department established its Chaplaincy Program “in which local ministers volunteer their services to department employees in time of need and comfort,” according to a city statement.
The Smyrna Fire Department currently has a local minister who serves as its chaplain.
“This program has been a blessing to many employees and family members,” the city statement added.
Based on the program and policy established by the Police Department, the city has developed a similar program to be offered to all city employees and their families as a supplement to the city’s Employee Assistance Program “when desired, needed or requested.”
Smyrna’s Chaplaincy Corps will provide assistance on a 24-hour basis to employees and their family members in the event of a death or other stressful life situations.
City Administrator Tammi Saddler Jones will consider volunteer ministers from all religious organizations within Smyrna’s city limits to serve as city employee chaplains but not be city employees themselves.
She also may appoint a Senior Chaplaincy Advisor who will provide guidance and assistance to members of the Chaplaincy Corps.
The Smyrna Police Internal Affairs Unit will conduct a background investigation on all applicants.
City employees may request the services of the Employee Assistance Program or the chaplain without the approval or direction of any supervisor.
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