A Galloway Township pastor was sworn in last week as the first chaplain for the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
Lou Strugala, founding pastor of Church by the Bay, will be available to help the office's staff cope with challenges faced on the job and provide a safe space for them to find comfort and solace, according to an announcement made by the office.
"The nondenominational emotional and spiritual support that chaplains provide are beneficial to law enforcement agencies as the county’s detectives, prosecutors and advocates are regularly exposed to traumatic incidents and high-stress situations," the Prosecutor's Office wrote in a statement. "This support can aid in the resiliency of the law enforcement staff, which is essential for their wellbeing, productivity and safety."
This is not Strugala's first time serving as a law enforcement chaplain. He is a long-standing chaplain with the State Police.
"He has demonstrated his empathy, compassion and service by regularly hosting food and clothing drives to service those in need for many years," according to the Prosecutor's Office statement.
Strugala was instrumental in the office's first Interfaith Prayer Luncheon held at Atlantic Cape Community College's Careme's Restaurant in May.
The office plans to hole a similar event in the winter to continue such outreach.
Strugala has collaborated with the office for other events, including providing daily words of encouragement and holding weekly “office hours” in the Prosecutor's Office Employee Wellness Room to make himself available for any staff member in need of guidance.
