June 9, 2004

East Lansing - The Michigan State Police is pleased to announce the appointment of Pastor Dave Mitchell of Buchanan, Mich. to the Michigan State Police Chaplain Corps. Mitchell is assigned to the Niles Post.

The Michigan State Police Chaplain Corps began in 1932, with two chaplains, a Catholic monsignor from Flint and a Presbyterian minister from Kalamazoo. Both had previously served in World War I as military chaplains.

Today, the MSP Chaplain Corps has 34 members who perform a wide variety of pastoral duties, which include providing emotional and spiritual support for department members and their families; visiting sick or injured officers and family members; assisting with spouse and family needs; performing weddings for department members; performing funeral ceremonies; and participating in post or district meetings.

Mitchell has served as senior pastor of Faith Victory Fellowship, in Buchanan, since his ordination in 1987. Following Sept. 11, 2001, he performed chaplain services for the Port Authority Police, in New York City, and the New York Police Department. Mitchell participated in advanced training courses from the International Conference for Police Chaplains from 1997 to 2004.

Mitchell currently lives in Buchanan with his wife of 29 years, Jann, and their son Mark. The Mitchells’ two daughters both live in Niles with their husbands. Kari is married to Chad Coplen and Sarah is married to Vincent Isabell. Mitchell is also the proud grandfather of Zackary and Kaycee.