By: Yuritza Arroyo
On Thursday, September 28th, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office hosted a Swearing In ceremony to welcome the office’s first assigned chaplain, Pastor Lou Strugala.
According to officials, Chaplain Strugala is the Founding Pastor of Church By The Bay, located in Galloway, which began in July 2019.
Though Chaplain Strugala is new in his official role as chaplain at the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, his function as a law enforcement chaplain, experience in community service, and relationship with ACPO have been ongoing.
Chaplain Strugala has been a long-standing and experienced chaplain with the New Jersey 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 his sworn oath, Chaplain Strugala has committed to providing “comfort and spiritual support to the members of Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office...to all persons without bias toward religion, affiliation, gender, orientation, race, national origin, age or any other such distinction.”
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.
Chaplain Strugala will be available to help the staff members cope with challenges faced on the job and provide a safe space for them to find comfort and solace.
This support can aid in the resiliency of the law enforcement staff, which is essential for their well-being, productivity, and safety.
Strugala has collaborated with ACPO for a number of additional events seeking to unite law enforcement with the faith-based community, including providing daily words of encouragement and holding weekly “office hours” in ACPO’s Employee Wellness Room to make himself available for any staff member in need of guidance.
Chaplain Strugala was also instrumental in the coordination and execution of ACPO’s first-ever Interfaith Prayer Luncheon, which was held at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Careme’s Restaurant this past May.
Strugala provided brief remarks and served as the conduit to forging a strong relationship between law enforcement and faith leaders from all backgrounds, a collaboration which aims to promote peace and unity in our community.
ACPO looks to hold a similar event this coming winter season to continue outreach with faith-based organizations and help coordinate chaplain programs county-wide.
ACPO is proud to officially welcome Chaplain Lou Strugala as the inaugural Office Chaplain and looks forward to the invaluable addition he will add to the organization.