Chaplain Doug Green is calling it a career after 26-and-a-half years of volunteer service to the Ocala Police Department.
According to OPD, Green was introduced to the role of police chaplain during his time at the New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He held the position of a campus patrolman for the seminary while he pursued his studies, functioning as a special officer for the New Orleans Police Department.
In this role, Green was allowed to carry a service firearm, handle traffic accidents on campus that had no injuries, and make bank deposits on behalf of the seminary. He monitored the police radio while on duty, and he would often hear officers and dispatchers requesting the presence of clergy at various scenes.
OPD stated that it was during these moments that Green discerned a calling from God to become a police chaplain.
Green graduated and returned to his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, where he served as a Minister of Education at his church. After relocating to Selma, Alabama, he continued his profession and became the first chaplain for the Selma Police Department.
In 1983, Green moved to Belleview and served as a Minister of Education at another church while he continued his ministry as the first-ever chaplain for the Belleview Police Department.
Over a decade later, in 1996, the Ocala Police Department established its chaplain program, and Green was one of four chaplains chosen to serve the department. “As a chaplain, (Doug) provided valuable support, offering prayers, encouragement, and solace to our officers and staff. From delivering invocations at ceremonies to officiating funerals, Doug’s presence brought comfort to those in need,” stated OPD on its Facebook page.
While reflecting on his years of service, Green stated that he has been blessed to have formed many friendships among the sworn officers and civilians that he met.
“It has been meaningful to me to go through happy and difficult times with officers, employees, and even the families of former employees,” stated Green. “I have appreciated many ride-a-longs with officers and visiting employees in their offices. Those hours allowed me to get to know the staff better, and they were able to get to know me.”
The Ocala Police Department concluded the social media post by stating that Green’s presence has had a profound impact on the lives of many individuals within the department. “We appreciate all that you have done for OPD! Happy Retirement!”