Chaplain to the police stands down after nine years of helping officers through harrowing times

Reverend Evans, a volunteer, says he has been supporting officers and staff at the worst times of their lives and in the most challenging circumstances, but also cheered them on and celebrated In 2019, he clocked up 1,000 hours volunteering.

The force says the chaplain can be credited with ensuring that the multi-faith chaplaincy is now a part of the fabric of the organisation, leading a team of 19, including an imam.

During his time with the force Reverend Evans has helped officers through some of the most tragic cases the force has had to deal with – notably the abduction and murder of April Jones when he stayed in the Machynlleth area for two weeks and the fire at a farmhouse in Llangammarch Wells where a father and his five children lost their lives.

Constable Thomas Draycott who worked on the tragic fire case said: “Tom is just one of those special people who puts people instantly at ease.  He made numerous visits to our team working on the protracted Llangammarch Wells fire recovery and it was clear that his visits were solely for the purpose of supporting us personally. With the weeks of long hours away from home, very difficult working conditions, and the extreme weather conditions, Tom’s positivity and warmth meant the world and he quickly became a bit of a hero giving us a much needed lift."

Value

Chief Constable Mark Collins said: “We value all volunteers at Dyfed-Powys Police and can’t thank them enough for the support they provide us with.

“Our officers and staff see some truly harrowing and tragic events, and when people really need somebody to listen to them at times when they are really struggling, Tom has always been there, day or night. He has become a bit of a father figure for Dyfed-Powys Police and truly enriches the wellbeing of the force. He has put his heart and soul into the role.

"The workforce are always telling me he’s one of the nicest, most genuine and caring people they’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and the real difference he has made to their lives – inside and outside of work. We are all very sad to see him go.”

Rev Evans said: “I retired from full time employment in 2008 – after an interesting and rewarding career. I was in the ministry first, moved onto world development matters with Christian Aid, then moved to media where I became a radio producer and presenter of programmes focusing on religion, and finally worked as a university lecturer. But volunteering as a police chaplain has been a tremendous experience – one I wouldn’t have missed for the world, it’s been an absolute privilege.

"And I can honestly say it’s been the greatest nine years of my working life. The camaraderie and friendships I found when I joined the family community that is Dyfed-Powys Police will stay with me forever – I’ve met extraordinary people who have changed my life.

“Police officers and staff are a remarkable group of people. They experience traumatic and life-changing events regularly. Some people get the impression that they are hard like anthracite. But I always tell people to look beyond the uniform, inside the uniform is a human being, full of emotions, like you or I."