SPANISH FORT – The Rev. Richard Ullo has been appointed the first chaplain of the Spanish Fort Police Department following action by the City Council.
The council voted Monday, April 5, to create the position and appoint Ullo as the department chaplain. Mayor Mike McMillan said Ullo was a good choice for the position.
“Mr. Ullo serves in a number of capacities with the city and does an outstanding job,” McMillan said.
Under the resolution passed by the council, the chaplain is appointed for one year to assist with counseling or provide spiritual advice or a ministry presence at the request of the chief of police or a senior supervisory officer.
Chaplains serve as volunteers without pay or employee benefits. The resolution recommends that a chaplain go through basic training to become certified police chaplains. Candidates must also be a ordained licensed clergy member in good standing with the body from which they are selected.
Ullo has served as the pastor for Bible Baptist Church since 2009. He has also served on other committees in the community to include the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization, Board of Adjustments for the Planning Commission, and as a senior ride captain for the SW Alabama Patriot Guard Riders.
“We are excited to welcome Chaplain Ullo to the SFPD family,” a department statement said. “A chaplaincy program is an integral part of a police department as it provides a spiritual leader for our officers and dispatchers, as well as enhancing our ability to deliver additional services to the citizens of Spanish Fort.”
