Police Chaplain

POLICE CHAPLAIN PROGRAM

Welcome to the “Office of the Chaplain”. Our chaplains are truly thankful for the opportunity to serve our men and women of law enforcement, their families, and those they serve and protect. We also wish to say thank you to the many families, businesses, churches and organizations for your support to our officers and our chaplain program.

The Alton Police Department Chaplain Program is established for the purpose of providing spiritual and emotional support to all members of the Department, their families, and members of the public. No one is confronted with more situations that demoralize and create emotional, mental, and spiritual burdens than today’s law enforcement officer. These burdens also affect the officer’s family and other members of his or her department. Law Enforcement agencies need specialized guidance, counseling, and assistance for their officers, families, and communities. This pastoral care is offered to all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, creed, or religion.

The Law Enforcement Chaplain is led in his or her own faith to be available and ready to serve those in need. The Chaplain’s ministry provides a source of strength to the law enforcement officers and their families, other department members, and the community. The law enforcement officer’s clergy person or religious adviser in their private life, although trained in ministry, is not necessarily abreast of the particular problems and dangers faced by police officers. Chaplains listen and participate in the workplace of law enforcement officers with empathy and experience, advising calmly in the midst of turmoil and danger, and helping when appropriate or requested.

Chaplain Lewis “Ray” Vajda – sworn in as Associate Chaplain in February 2023 has lived in Madison County since 1998. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee Chaplain Ray would say he is still an ole southern boy at heart. He has made Godfrey his home since 2000. Ray has been married to his wife Cathy for over 30 years. They have one child, an adult son. Ray is a U.S. Veteran of 23 years, split up between three services: Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Navy. His military experience has given him an interesting life as a Firefighter, Law Enforcement Boarding Officer, and heavy equipment operations team member. While in the military Chaplain Ray attended Spurgeon Baptist Bible College where he earned a degree in Biblical Studies. Once retired from the Navy, Chaplain Ray went to work for the Village of Godfrey in their public works department. After 16 years with the Village of Godfrey, Chaplain Ray retired in August of 2021. His retirement from the Village of Godfrey allowed him to now serve as the camp director for what was the Alton Police Youth Camp, now KOZ (Kids Outdoor Zone) Compound. Officers and their families from all over the Metro-east have visited the camp for both agency and personal activities. His military and chaplaincy work have clearly displayed that He has a heart for our men and women on the frontlines. Chaplain Ray loves the outdoors and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Chaplain Rev. Garron Daniels, OCS — currently serves as the 21st Rector of the Episcopal Parish of Alton and previously served as Curate at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri, as well as a PRN Chaplain at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. A graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, Fr. Garron earned a Bachelor of Science in Justice Systems, magna cum laude, before completing his Master of Divinity at the University of the South: School of Theology. As of 2026, Fr. Garron has mentored under our former Senior Chaplain, Marc Lane, and has spent time ministering in our corrections divisions. He also attended the International Conference of Police Chaplains in Springfield, Illinois, where he completed several specialized courses focused on the role and responsibilities of a new Police Chaplain.

Message for Alton Clergy – The Alton Police Department Chaplain Program seeks to connect with all faith leaders of this community and as the spiritual leader of your church, we would love to extend to you a closer (inside) look at your Alton Police Department. Please contact Chaplain Garron Daniels or Chaplain Ray Vajda for more information on a clergy station-house tour and officer ride-along. Our Chaplains can be reached 24-Hours & 7-Days/Week through our secure voicemail pager at 618.463.2407 or email at gdaniels@cityofaltonil.gov or lvajda@cityofaltonil.gov.