Chaplain sworn in by Clark County Sheriff John Horch

Sheriff John Horch and Chaplain Cari Arnsparger. Photo courtesy Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Cari Arnsparger is the first designated chaplain specifically assigned to assist employees, their families, and the public for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office

On Jan. 4, Chaplain Cari Arnsparger was sworn-in with an Honorary Commission by Clark County Sheriff John Horch. Arnsparger is the first designated chaplain specifically assigned to assist employees, their families, and the public for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Arnsparger comes to CCSO through her volunteer work at County-Wide Chaplaincy and her fit with the agency. She has been with County-Wide Chaplaincy as a police and fire chaplain for five years. She has completed an extensive two-year training program through County-Wide Chaplaincy and the Responders Resource Program.

The pinning of the badge. Photo courtesy Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Arnsparger is a graduate of the Police and Fire Chaplain Academy at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission in Burien. She is also an ordained and commissioned police chaplain, receiving her ordination through Freedom Community Church.

As the CCSO Chaplain, Arnsparger will be assigned to the Peer Support Team and will provide counseling and or emotional support to employees of the agency, their families, and members of the public. The Honorary Commission gives no law enforcement authority but allows her to be an emotional support per the Revised Code of Washington.

CCSO has outfitted Chaplain Arnsparger with a Class A uniform for ceremonies and Class B uniforms for patrol as well as protective gear.

Chaplains from the area gathered to witness the swearing in of Chaplain Cari Arnsparger. Photo courtesy Clark County Sheriff’s Office

For the past several months, Arnsparger has been riding along with deputies on different shifts, getting to know the deputies, and helping people on calls when she can. Her compassion for others is already seen by many of the deputies and citizens. She has already assisted on calls providing comfort to individuals and even performing CPR. Arnsparger is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, and it is here where her passion for helping others began.

In her free time, Arnsparger likes to ride horses and quads, and spending time with her family.

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.