EATON — On Friday, Feb. 21, Pastor Ken Harbaum and Rev. Don Thomas were sworn in as First Responder Chaplains in Preble County under the leadership of Sheriff Mike Simpson.

This event is historic for Preble County, as this is the first time having an organized, countywide First Responder Chaplains program.

Pastor Harbaum, along with Rev. Thomas, sat with Sheriff Simpson and Chief Steve Hurd of the Eaton Police Division a year ago to discuss the importance and possibilities of having this program and from that meeting, the journey began.

The program was officially launched in Sheriff Simpson’s office on Feb. 21.

Not only will Chaplain Harbaum and Chaplain Thomas be serving the Sheriff’s Office and Eaton Police Division, they will also be available to serve all police, fire and EMS departments in the county.

“I am very excited about establishing this program and partnering with Pastor Harbaum and Rev. Thomas to provide services to our public safety professionals in the county, as well as the public that each agency interacts with each and every day,” Simpson said.

Pictured, left to right, Chief Deputy Mike Spitler, Pastor Larry Bennett Sr., Chaplain of the Louisville Police Department; Rev. Don Thomas, Pastor Ken Harbaum and Sheriff Mike Simpson.

https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2020/04/web1_PASTOR-PHOTOGRAPH.jpegPictured, left to right, Chief Deputy Mike Spitler, Pastor Larry Bennett Sr., Chaplain of the Louisville Police Department; Rev. Don Thomas, Pastor Ken Harbaum and Sheriff Mike Simpson.