STATEHOUSE (Nov. 2, 2017) — The Indiana State Police recognized Chaplain John “Jack” Hess for his service as a volunteer police chaplain Thursday in Indianapolis, according to State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy).
Hess began volunteering as a chaplain with the Miami County Sheriff’s Department in 2000, before being appointed to the Indiana State Police as a volunteer chaplain in 2006. In July, Hess received the John A. Price Award from the International Conference of Police Chaplains for his commitment to helping and encouraging others and going beyond the call of duty.
“Jack is a true public servant, devoting his time and resources to Hoosiers during times of great difficulty,” Friend said. “I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this honor. Our state is lucky to have such a kind, selfless man serving our law enforcement, emergency responders and citizens.”
Friend said Hess has helped many families after an officer has been injured or killed in the line of duty.
Over the years, Hess has traveled across the state as a member of the Indiana State Police Crisis Management Team, working with police and first responders during the aftermath of the tornadoes in Henryville and Kokomo, and other natural disasters. He was a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains team that ministered in New York City shortly after the 9/11 attacks and in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
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Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
PICTURED: State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) (right) stands with Chaplain John “Jack” Hess (left) after the Indiana State Police recognized Hess for his service as a volunteer police chaplain on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis. Hess has been a volunteer police chaplain for nearly 50 years.