In a climate where law enforcement faces unprecedented scrutiny and, at times, outright hostility, it’s heartening to see communities rallying to offer support. Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, AZ, is doing just that with its “Never Alone” conference, designed to encourage and uplift peace officers.
Senior Pastor J. Mark Martin is a strong supporter of law enforcement. He regularly hosts luncheons to honor the officers within their congregation. This year, two members, Dan and Rosanna Elting, felt called to expand this support, leading to the creation of the “Never Alone” conference.
I (Jim McNeff) spoke with Dan and Rosanna Elting about their inspiration for taking the luncheon to a new level. Here’s what they shared:
“The passion behind the Never Alone Conference began with our trip to Washington DC for Police Week in May of 2016. While traveling to DC we had a short layover in Chicago. While there, we met the parents of fallen officer Jordan Corder, Covina Police Department. They wore buttons with a picture of Jordan and we asked them to share their story. We spoke with them about their son and circumstances surrounding his line of duty death (motorcycle collision in 2014) and boarded the plane shortly after.
During the candlelight vigil at Police Week, we again crossed paths with Jordan’s parents and spent additional time talking with them. We were moved by many stories regarding the line of duty deaths during Police Week.
During the Memorial Service Hannah Ellis sang her song “Officer Down.” We were both moved to tears by the raw emotion captured by her song.
Within days of returning home from Police Week, Officer David Glasser was shot and killed in the line of duty. His death hit both of us very hard because we just attended Police Week, and Officer Glasser was with Phoenix PD, the agency that Dan honorably retired from within days of Glasser’s death.
In addition to the emotion resulting from Police Week and the death of Officer Glasser, we observed marriages of police officers we knew crumbling around us.
A month after we returned home to Phoenix from DC, Rosanna had her first physical therapy appointment and met with her therapist for the first time. Her therapist’s name was Jordan Corder (the same name as the motor officer from Covina). We both knew at that very moment, we had to do something. God had placed a desire in our hearts to serve Law Enforcement in their time of need and to minister to law enforcement marriages through what God has done in our lives and our marriage. As we started the planning process for Never Alone, tragedies hit in Dallas, TX and Baton Rouge LA, we also knew at this time it was our calling to help and find a place for ourselves in the law enforcement community. We are excited to see how God will use us now and in our future.”
Dan and Rosanna Elting’s dedication is truly inspiring.
Calvary Community Church hosted Never Alone on Saturday, October 29, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The event was free for those serving (or retired) in law enforcement and their spouses, and included a complimentary lunch. Featured speakers included Pastor J. Mark Martin, Sergeant Jeff Daukas of the Glendale (AZ) PD, and Jim McNeff, police lieutenant (ret.) from Fountain Valley PD. Music was provided by Hannah Ellis.
The conference aimed to provide encouragement, support, and resources to law enforcement professionals and their families, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. It served as a reminder that they are, indeed, never alone.