To say that the path that I’ve been on to reach this destination has been convoluted would be an understatement. From 1971 till 2001 you could have found me at the Hillsboro Fire Dept. That time was spent learning to craft my career to help people in need. Let’s see, I think Chaplain’s are called upon to do that as well.
I found my self in the mid 2000′s (after my retirement in 2001) serving as Chaplain to Washington County Corrections. That was a time that God used to chip off the rough corners. Then in 2006, He decided I needed to go to the desert. So my time at WCSO came to an end. During the next 3 years, I asked Him if He was through with me as far as the ministry was concerned. His answer came in 2009.
Chaplain Wally called me in Oct. of 2009 to ask if I would be interested in the Chaplain position that was to open at Beaverton Police. I assured him that as eagles have golden hubcaps I would definitely jump at the chance. Over the next 3 months I found my self, as well as 3 others, in the race to see who God would choose for this position. What an interesting time that was.
On Dec. 23 2009 I met with Chief Spalding and Lt Dan Gill to hear who they felt was the choice to fill the position. I still remember how I felt when I was told that I “was their guy”. As I conveyed to them that I didn’t have the words to express the joy I felt at that moment. Chief Spalding looked at me and said “Merry Christmas”. I think if you will stop and think about this meeting you will begin to see how blessed I am to be here at this time and this place. God is so good.
Special thanks go to my wife for her support in taking this journey with me. To Chaplain Wally Johnston for making the phone call and offering the opportunity to me for this position at the Dept. he had spent so many years as Chaplain. To Russ Guppy for his encouragement in the years that he has been a part of our family. To Lt. Gill for his willingness to take a chance on me and then his unwavering support at BPD since Jan. 14th my official start date. To Chief Spalding who from our first meeting has given me his blessing which is such an encouragement. Then last but certainly not least, to my Lord who has put up with me and brought me to a place where I feel complete at this point in my adventure with Him.
It is SOOOOOO good to be back in the saddle and with you all at PSC.
Chaplain Paul Olds
Beaverton Police
