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Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 3, 2025 -

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtr 3, 2025 These past couple of months have been full of hills and valleys. Great things have happened and tragedy has struck. As Chaplain I get to celebrate promotions, retirements, weddings, captured criminals, and cases closed. I also take the journey with the cops through the valleys.  A recent deep valle...

Code 7 Connection Newsletter Qtrs 1 & 2 2024

Quote of the Quarter
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” ~ Jesus

RELATIONSHIPS
As a young man in ministry, one of my mentors told me that “relationships are more important than personal accomplishments.” The phrase grew in my heart and became one of my life values and a quote I have repeated over the years. The trajectory of that phrase influenced how I connect with people and serve.

When we esteem others as treasured and valuable, we build a community with sustaining support for one another when life takes its dips and turns. Our plans are not always God's plans, nor our ways His ways.
When life on this earth ends, I don’t think it will matter what the bank says you’re worth. I believe what will matter most is how you shared your years in relationship with others.

I think it is wise to keep your accounts short with others. What I mean by that is to resolve differences and conflicts as quickly as possible. If you can forgive and move forward, do it. If you work intentionally at fostering strained relationships and find a path of peace to move forward, I don't think you will regret it.

Honoring ACPC
CVPD Assistant Chief Phil Collum spent his lifetime serving others through law-enforcement. He was well loved by many and was a true influencer. Phil mentored and encouraged people to be their best and do their best. Phil‘s faith in God‘s supreme love made him a servant of many. Phil’s giant smile was his consistent welcome card.

Phil’s life was cut short by cancer but his legacy, policies, and dedication to service will live on through many whose lives he touched. A Celebration of Life service was held, and I had the privilege to speak and share a message of God's love to everyone in attendance. We’ve got it from here, Phil. We are glad you are at peace and now at home.

The Address
My phone rang unexpectedly one morning, and the dispatcher said a police officer needed my help. They told me that a police officer's parent died at their home, and the on-duty Lieutenant specifically requested I go and assist. When the dispatcher gave me the address, I knew who’s home it was.

I had been there before socially years ago. I went directly to the house, greeted the family, and stayed through the required process. The Lieutenant and another Armed Forces veteran saluted the officer's father as he was taken into the care of the mortuary. The Sgt said he had handled probably a hundred deaths but of course nothing hit so close to home - literally.

To be called on in times of crisis is what a chaplain does. We support and often spend an extended time of silence, simply being present, reflecting God‘s compassion, care, and presence in the midst of difficulty and tragedy. This is our role and a reminder to the family that God is not absent but He is present. In this case it was a relationship formed years ago that allowed me to serve in this moment of need.

Prayer Breakfast 2024
I was blessed with the support of Code 7 donors to be able to sponsor four tables at the recent Law Enforcement Prayer Breakfast. I was joined by both Chula Vista and National City Police Departments at the tables where we received an encouraging word and a gospel message.The room was filled with first responders, and it is always energizing to see so many I’ve met over the years.

Chaplain Rick
My partner in ministry and Code 7 Chaplain Rick Rojas is taking some time off. He ended up finding out, through a relatively small medical incident, that he had a form of blood cancer. Rick has been a trooper and is fighting with everything he’s got. Rick invited over the team from NCPD to hear his story. He captivated his audience of about 20 people on his patio as he shared his win-win situation.

As he describes it, it’s a win-win. He explained that if God heals him and he beats his cancer, it’s a win because he gets to be around and serve longer. Also, he said if the Lord calls him home, it’s a win because he gets to be in heaven with the Lord. His attitude is amazing and his testimony of how he’s handling his cancer and the difficulties are a reflection of his faith. We are praying for you, Rick, as you continue the battle.

Decompress
People ask me sometimes what I do to burn off my stress, so I included a couple of pictures of recent fun adventures. I like to mountain bike out in the hills of San Diego County with my friends. People ask me if I like to road bike and I say no; I’ll take the rocks and the rattlesnakes over distracted drivers on the highways any day of the week :-) Oh, and once in a while, I get to attend fun events and have a colorful parrot rest on my arm.

In Conclusion
Relationships are the basis for our Code 7 ministry to cops and the people in crisis. A relationship with Jesus is the most important followed by family and friends and the people you cross paths with. I encourage you to nurture the relationships closest to you and keep your accounts short. Thank you for your encouragement and support of this ministry.

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. James 5:16

Code 7 Connection Newsletter July/August/September 2019
“QUOTE OF THE QUARTER”

“Everything is recoverable short of death – you just need a great therapist.” L. Rankin

The 3rd quarter of 2019 began with our CAST volunteers and I serving with the Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation (CVFF) at their annual, very worthy Fourth of July Pancake community breakfast. CVFF funds go to support fire safety, community programs, and provide support to those displaced by fires. Plus it was a great occasion to rock my star-studded sports coat. Next year I will need to add red and white striped shorts. Don’t you agree?

A few days after celebrating our country’s independence, I was heartbroken as I officiated and walked beside a horse-drawn carriage carrying a very young child to her final resting place. It’s times like this that makes me thankful for every sunset I get to see at the end of each day.

During some recent tough times, I found a sobering meme about complaining. Maybe it will bring a fresh perspective to you, too.

Most cars function best on all four wheels, but sometimes people try to improvise summoning police presence. It always makes for an interesting call when responding to an overturned vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured, and we all got to see the tow truck driver work his magic by turning the car right side up and hauling it away.

Two of my friends from National City Police Department were honored as they moved forward in their careers and departed from the PD. Best always to Lieutenant and Corporal. I’m certain there will be many more years of public service ahead of them both and that our paths will cross again.

I just finished up some great and needed training out of town. I’m feeling confident in the skills I refined and am happy to be a Distinguished Graduate of the course.

It’s October and you know what that means? If you guessed PSL, that’s incorrect. It’s Pink Patch Month, or otherwise known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our officers proudly wear pink patches to honor those who have suffered with Breast Cancer. Donations and proceeds from these pink patches will again go to Loving You Through It – a ministry in Chula Vista helping those devastated by cancer to look and feel their best.

Will you please pause with me for a moment as you read this and say a prayer for the people you know currently battling cancer, their loved ones, and those supporting them? I strongly believe prayer changes things.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your care and prayers. I am privileged to support and encourage women and men in law enforcement on your behalf.

May the LORD bless you and protect you.
May the Lord be gracious to you and smile on you.
May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings,

Wes