Community Chaplain Program
Trusted Presence
A Ministry of Presence for Eagle Mountain
The Eagle Mountain Community Chaplain Program offers spiritual, emotional, and relational support to City employees, police and fire personnel, their families, and residents of Eagle Mountain. Chaplains serve as a confidential, compassionate, non-proselytizing resource that promotes wellness, resilience, and community connection.
What Is Ministry of Presence?
Ministry of Presence means being physically and emotionally present with individuals in times of crisis, stress, transition, or celebration, offering comfort, calm, dignity, and support without agenda. The chaplain’s role is to serve, not preach, and chaplains do not promote or inhibit religion.
Physical
On scene, at the hospital, at funerals, and at community events.
Emotional
Empathetic listening and calm support.
Spiritual
Offered only when invited or appropriate.
Relational
Building trust over time.
Who the Program Serves
City Employees
- City staff support
- Critical incident response
- Employee wellness complement
- Ceremonial functions
Police & Fire
- Ride-alongs and station visits
- Critical incident and post-incident support
- Hospital visits
- Officer and firefighter family support
- Peer support collaboration
Residents
- On-scene crisis support
- Death notifications, as requested
- Bereavement support, funeral & memorial services
- Support during major disasters or public emergencies
- Community events and relationship building
- Perform marriage ceremonies for opposite-sex couples
Where Chaplains Serve
Emergency & Crisis
Serious accidents, structure fires, natural disasters, sudden loss, and other critical incidents, including support for first responders injured in the line of duty.
Wellness & Support
Confidential conversations, hospital visitation, family and relationship support, and help with job stress and burnout, with referrals to professional care when needed.
Ceremonies & Public Events
Memorial services, swearing-in ceremonies, promotions, retirements, awards banquets, National Night Out, City celebrations, and public prayer when requested.
Community Bridge
Liaison to local clergy, faith-based resource coordination, community-police engagement events, and public forums.
Guiding Principles
Non-Proselytizing
Chaplains do not evangelize or attempt to convert anyone while serving in their official capacity.
Respect for All Beliefs
Chaplains serve individuals of any faith, no faith, or differing belief systems.
Confidentiality
Conversations are kept confidential within state law, mandatory reporting requirements, and imminent danger exceptions. Chaplains explain these limits at the start of sensitive conversations.
Non-Enforcement
Chaplains do not carry weapons, exercise police powers, or intervene in enforcement decisions. At incident scenes, they work under the direction of the Incident Commander.
Chaplains provide pastoral care, not psychotherapy, and work alongside peer support teams, employee assistance programs, victim advocates, and mental health providers, referring individuals to additional resources when appropriate.
Meet the Chaplains
Lyman & Dee Gifford | Interfaith – Latter-day Saint Chaplains
In an emergency, call 911. For mental health crisis support at any time, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Wellness Resources
Mental & Emotional Health
Quick Links
Substance Abuse
Quick Links
Suicide Prevention
National Institute for Mental Health Crisis Line
Mental and emotional health resources are available. If you’re struggling, please call 988.
Utah Crisis Line
If you need immediate assistance, please call 1-800-273-TALK.
Quick Links
Help is available
Talk with Someone
Your mental and emotional health are an important part of your overall well-being. If you or a loved one needs support, explore our mental and emotional health resources to find help, guidance, and connections to services that can make a difference.