2020 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2020

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Bureau (609) 882-2000
Major Brian Polite - ext. 6514
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Sgt. Lawrence Peele - ext. 6531
Tpr. Alejandro Goez - ext. 6527
Tpr. Charles Marchan - ext. 6513


Colonel Patrick Callahan Announces Appointment of New Chief State Police Chaplain

West Trenton, N.J. - Today, Colonel Patrick Callahan announced the appointment of Reverend John R. Taylor as the new Chief Chaplain for the New Jersey State Police. Reverend Monsignor Philip A. Lowery previously held the position of Chief Chaplain until his passing on November 28, 2019.

Since 2018, Reverend Taylor has provided spiritual guidance and support to enlisted and civilian members of the Division as a New Jersey State Police Chaplain. For the last 11 years, Reverend Taylor has served as Lead Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Trenton, N.J.

Under Reverend Taylor’s guidance, Friendship Baptist Church has established great relationships within the City of Trenton and its surrounding communities. Through his visionary leadership, he created the Capital City Community Coalition, an alliance comprised of faith leaders, community organizations, education representatives, local first responders and state-supporting institutions working together to address concerns of the community, but more importantly, create solutions.

Reverend Taylor is also a member of several community and spiritually-based organizations, which include the Coalition for a New Community, the Covenant Partner’s Association of Trenton, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of N.J., and the Middlesex Central Baptist Association of N.J., Inc. Through these organizations, Reverend Taylor works with area churches to connect leaders of various religious denominations throughout the State.

“From serving his congregants at Friendship Baptist Church to uplifting communities across our state, Reverend Taylor exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated public servant,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I know our troopers and their families will find solace, support, and wisdom in his spiritual guidance. I’m proud to call him a friend and know he will be a committed Chief Chaplain of the New Jersey State Police.”

“Reverend Taylor has been a powerful voice for unity and a catalyst for positive change in Trenton and across New Jersey for years," said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “He will be an outstanding Chief Chaplain for the New Jersey State Police. We are thankful to him for taking on this important, new role and for stepping up, as he always does, to now serve as a spiritual, moral and a community leader for hundreds of Troopers, law enforcement officers and communities across our state.”

“I have seen first-hand how Reverend Taylor’s unwavering dedication and spiritual guidance have made a positive impact on not only our members, but communities throughout the State.” said Colonel Callahan. “I am confident that with his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to service, our chaplains will continue to effectively support the spiritual needs of our civilian and enlisted members.”

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