Pastor Larry Enriquez Retires After 28 Years as Ontario Police Chaplain

Honoring Pastor Larry Enriquez: A Legacy of Compassion in Ontario

On May 30, 2024, the City of Ontario witnessed the end of an era. The event? Our own Pastor Larry Enriquez stepped away from the Ontario Police Department where he served as a police chaplain for over 28 years. Pastor Larry was one of many from both Ontario Fire or Police Departments who were honored for their service. The city function was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario.

As a police chaplain, Pastor Larry was a part of the staff who are called upon to bring comfort and compassion to those grieving over the loss of a loved one, possibly the victim of a violent crime or horrific accident. Chaplains are often called to the scene of a crime or accident, or they may be asked to deliver a death notice to an unsuspecting family member. Certainly, the chaplain position is not for the faint of heart. “I’ll never be able to un-see all the terrible things that I’ve been exposed to,” Pastor Larry recalls after being asked about his service time.

God doesn’t call everyone to this service. It takes a special type of person, one who is willing to insert themselves into the midst of a tragic event, to bring a sense of God’s peace to someone who is in the middle of a life changing moment. Pastor Larry went through extensive training in order to enter the chaplain ranks. In addition to his Seminary Degree and his master’s in counseling, he also attended the Riverside County Sheriff’s Academy as well as classes to become certified as a chaplain. With humility, Pastor Larry says that it doesn’t matter how much training a person may or may not have. “When you arrive on scene, and friends and family are in complete shock or overwhelmed with grief, they don’t know or care about your training,” Pastor Larry observed. “In the end, the only thing we can do to help is to bring Jesus into the middle of their suffering.” Psalms 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Trusting in the Lord to cover them, chaplains enter the fray in order to help the hurting in their moments of extreme trauma. Hopefully, they can regain a sense of balance in their lives. However, nothing on this side of heaven can do anything to reverse the calamity. But in pointing the way to Jesus, the Almighty Healer, chaplains bring the Light into very dark moments.

Wherever we may be, may we all follow in these footsteps, seeking to bring Jesus to a world in need. Well done Pastor Larry, well done indeed.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Written by Pastor Ernie Vilchis