THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Police Service officially welcomed Chaplain Deobrah Kraft during a swearing-in ceremony held at police headquarters on Wednesday.
The ceremony was conducted before Justice of the Peace Jerry Woods.
"The chaplain is a unique and vital part of our police family," said Chief Darcy Fleury. "They are a source of calm, a trusted confidant, and a steady presence in times of both personal and professional crisis."
Kraft holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Theology from Thorneloe University. She has led the annual National Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day service in Thunder Bay for many years and has been working with the Thunder Bay Police Service since 2020.
In her role, Kraft provides spiritual support in a non-denominational manner. This includes offering comfort after critical incidents, checking in with members of the service, and sharing uplifting messages to support mental and emotional well-being.
The ceremony was attended by members of the police leadership team, including Fleury, deputy chiefs Ryan Hughes and Jeremy Pearson, as well as Thunder Bay Police Service Board members Ken Boshcoff and Kasey Etreni. Members of Kraft’s family were also present to witness the occasion.