In 2004 Chief Joel Heckman retired from the Centennial Lakes Police Department. What many did not know was that Joel was retiring in order to gear up for the fight of his life – the fight for his life. His retirement at the age of 51 caused many to wonder why he would choose to walk away from a department that he had served with since 1990. The reality was that just a few months earlier Heckman had received news that changed his life forever. “In 2004 I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease, Sarcoidosis” Heckman recently told North Metro TV. After the initial diagnosis Heckman sought out more information on his exact condition and the news was startling, “I was told from diagnosis to death was five years” said Heckman.
With only a few years to live Heckman took an early retirement in order to spend more time with his family. He also spent time giving back to his community by working at a local school, but eventually his condition robbed him of that work as well. Then, in 2009 5 years after the initial diagnosis Heckman was given a second chance at life. “In February of 2009 I received a heart transplant” said Heckman.
After recovering from the transplant surgery Heckman decided it was once again time to serve his community. Going back on active duty wasn’t an option, but he felt a deeper calling to serve the officers of his former department. “I completed school and trained with the Minnesota Emergency Service Chaplain Association” Heckman said.
After completing his training he sought out his former department and they welcomed him home with open arms. Joel has been the chaplain for about two years and at first it was an adjustment for both Joel and the officers. “For many of them I was there boss…I told them now you are my boss” said Heckman.
Joel serves as both an internal chaplain for the officers and as an external chaplain for the community. Sergeant Russ Blanck who worked to start the chaplain program considers it his proudest accomplishment in his 17 years with the department. Blanck has seen lives torn apart by trauma and now Joel is a resource the department can provide to its emotionally distraught citizens. When Joel enters a crisis situation he relies on his deep personal faith but his first concern is to supply immediate comfort to those who are grieving. He calls his service a “ministry of presence” and stressed the importance of just being available for whatever needs may arise.
Joel believes that his life was saved so that he could serve others. His police department and community are extremely grateful for his outlook on his second chance at life.
Related Links:
Full Length Interview with Joel Heckman (Raw Video)
Centennial Lakes Police Department
MESCA
