January 2000 Volume 81 Number 1
"serving the protectors"
Chaplains
| January 2000 Volume 81 Number 1 "serving the protectors" |
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| SA Police Chaplains |
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| By David Marr |
On New Year’s Eve
t a neighbour’s barbecue recently I learned about the “beach party” being planned for New Year’s Eve. Asked if we were intending to be there, I replied that police leave was under review and personnel were to be available for duty. This also included a number of police support agencies. It soon became clear many people were excitedly planning celebratory functions. For myself, I have long been happy to share the evening with family or friends and retire once midnight has sounded. There can be no doubt the peculiarities of date create expectations this New Year’s Eve that will be different.
Already, advertising regarding the celebrations is emerging and people are considering their options. One church recently advised a New Century Worship Service beginning at 11:30pm with “Lots of singing, kissing, hugs and good wishes to begin the new era”. This is “followed by supper and drinks shared with Christian friends”. Besides functions planned by local churches and youth groups, I’m aware of street parties and celebrations being organized by restaurants, hotels and a variety of organizations. The common perspective is for people to get together to enjoy themselves and get the new century off to a good start.
If only it could be a happy occasion for everyone. It won’t be. Coppers, nurses and other emergency services people will be working while others are enjoying themselves. My wife always works New Year’s Eve and I seem often to be called on New Year’s Day. Celebratory occasions often become events of sadness, hurt and trauma for someone. Harsh trophies of foolish or thoughtless behaviour. It would be good if this year was different.
Some jobs are tough, too. I don’t know if you’ve ever worked in an operating theatre on New Year’s Eve and been verbally abused by injured, blood-stained youths, or found yourself attempting to assist a teenage girl so “out of it” she is unable to tell who she is, or who her parents are. I don’t know if you’ve ever worked for hours at the site following a horrific accident, or gone in the early morning hours to advise the family of the death of their loved one.
These are all tough duties taking their toll on those who perform them. Their families suffer too. They are absent for the occasion, then miss out afterward when someone is trying to catch up on sleep, or come to terms with the trauma of the previous hours.
It is important to ensure a balanced view or one risks becoming negative or introspective. Life goes on and it is important to keep up with it all. Great occasions like next New Year’s Eve can remain vividly in our minds forever. It is important we prepare ourselves and plan the occasion ensuring the wellbeing and safety of everyone.
This is important if we want the blessing of God upon our celebration activities. Problems occur when people forget about others and become self-centred in their focus and behaviour. The happiness of many can be destroyed by the thoughtlessness of others.
I hope New Year’s Eve will be celebrated happily by us all and be memorable for positive and enriching reasons. As you celebrate, please remember those working to ensure your safety and wellbeing. They are happiest when the phone is silent and the emergency room vacant.
Welfare Section 58 David Marr 8364 3567 Senior Police Chaplain. Academy 8 Mark Thomas 8296 9616 Adelaide: Angas Street 158 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide: Hindley Street 62 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide Hills Division 54 Adrian Stephens 8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517 Berri 212 Vacant Ceduna 214 Bob Borgas 086 253 503 Christies Beach 20 Vacant Clare 202 Michael Dutschke 088 423 681 Communications 172 David Hand 8295 6992 Elizabeth 52 Stephen Brooks 041 884 0739 Far North 210 Tony Redden 08 8672 5011 Focus 21 Richard Lawton 08 8362 4936 Gawler 52 Brian Tscharke 085 222 288 Glenelg 22 Malcolm Thomas 8377 0772 Henley Beach 18 Brenton Daulby 8443 8286 Holden Hill 44 Tony Swansson 8258 8951 Rod Dyson 8365 1170 Kadina 71 Mark Dickens 8823 2513 Kingston 208 Richard Dutton 08 8767 2590 Mount Gambier 208 Brian Ashworth (w) 087 231 353 (h) 087 252 537 Murray Bridge 200 Malcolm Bottrill 085 325 536 Naracoorte 208 Bruce Cliff 8737 2457 0417 811 702 Norwood 60 Vacant Nuriootpa 204 Andy Kowald 085 621 011 Plympton 14 Ian Dempsey 8210 8108 Port Adelaide 6 Jeff Oake 8341 5930 Port Pirie 206 Vacant Prosecution Services 176 Vacant Port Augusta PS 210 Shirley James 0886 410 146 Port Lincoln 214 Rob Packer 0886 830 302 Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal 8278 9578 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George 8395 9363 Thebarton Barracks 32 Joe Grealy 8338 3225 Transit Division Wayne Shepherd 8443 4895 Unley 28 Max Bowers 8272 8324 Whyalla 218 John Dunkley 0886 452 500
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