FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: ISP
Communications Office
November 7, 2011
217-782-6637
www.isp.state.il.us
TDD: 1-800-255-3323
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE CHAPLAIN HONORED AT SUNDAY MASS
Officers Attend Sunday Service & Show Support for Devoted Chaplain
Schaumburg, IL – Illinois State Police officers from various parts of the
Northern Region of Illinois attended Sunday service at Saint Marcelline's
Catholic Church in Schaumburg in honor of Reverend Harold Stanger. Father
Harold Stanger is a Catholic Priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago and has
been serving as an ISP Chaplain for over a decade.
"We all know him as 'Father Hal' and he has played an integral role in
bringing spiritual support to the men and women of the Illinois State
Police and their families through tragedy and despair," said Commander
Terry Lemming, Illinois State Police Region I Commander. "He is one of
many ISP Chaplains who have committed their lives to serving the community
and the Illinois State Police family with comfort, devotion, and guidance,"
he added.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers, families, friends, and ISP retirees
attended the mass in celebration of Father Hal to honor the well respected
and often sought-out Chaplain who also shares a great sense of humor for
law enforcement. "As you can see, we are joined by the Illinois State
Police for mass this morning, but I assure you they're not here for me;
perhaps they' re here for some of you," said Father Stanger as he began
the mass celebration. "All kidding aside, these men and women are all off
duty, so rest assured there are others patrolling the interstates and
keeping our roads safe today," he stressed.
Father Hal has provided guidance and leadership to many ISP officers during
extremely difficult times. His strength and positive reinforcement was
crucial during an incident which nearly took the life of an ISP Trooper
struck on the Dan Ryan expressway. His prayers have been invaluable to
Troopers diagnosed with life threatening illnesses, and his words have
consoled the families of Troopers who have experienced tragedies in their
own personal lives.
The Illinois State Police Chaplain Program is a volunteer program with a
statewide network of clergy of various faiths who volunteer their time and
talents to help the Department, its employees, and their families with
confidential, supportive, and religious needs. Volunteers are not
entitled to any type of compensation or other employment benefits.
(See attached file: group photo chaplain stanger.jpg)(See attached file:
commander lemming
chaplain stanger.jpg)
(See attached file: communion chplain stanger.jpg)(See attached file:
starlena wilson
chaplain stanger.jpg)
