Galloway Pastor To Serve As 1st Chaplain For Prosecutor's Office

GALLOWAY, NJ — A local pastor will serve as the inaugural chaplain for the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Lou Strugala, founding pastor of the Church By The Bay in Galloway, was officially sworn in on Sept. 28.

"Though Chaplain Strugala is new in his official role as chaplain at the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, his function as a law enforcement chaplain, experience in community service, and relationship with ACPO have been ongoing," the office said in a news release. "Chaplain Strugala has been a long-standing and experienced chaplain with the New Jersey State Police. He has demonstrated his empathy, compassion and service by regularly hosting food and clothing drives to service those in need for many years."

According to his sworn oath, Strugala has committed to providing "comfort and spiritual support to the members of Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office...to all persons without bias toward religion, affiliation, gender, orientation, race, national origin, age or any other such distinction."

Strugala will "help the staff members cope with challenges faced on the job and provide a safe space for them to find comfort and solace," according to the Prosecutor's Office.

Strugala has collaborated with ACPO for a number of additional events seeking to unite law enforcement with the faith-based community including providing daily words of encouragement and holding weekly "office hours" in ACPO’s Employee Wellness Room to make himself available for any staff member in need of guidance.

He was also instrumental in the coordination and execution of ACPO’s first ever Interfaith Prayer
Luncheon which was held at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Careme’s Restaurant this past May. Strugala provided brief remarks and "served as the conduit to forging a strong relationship between law enforcement and faith leaders from all backgrounds, a collaboration which aims to promote peace and unity in our community," officials said.

ACPO said they hope to hold a similar event this coming winter season to continue outreach with faith-based organizations and help coordinate chaplain programs county-wide.

"ACPO is proud to officially welcome Chaplain Lou Strugala as the inaugural Office Chaplain and looks forward to the invaluable addition he will add to the organization," the office said.

To connect with ACPO’s Community Outreach team and request a collaboration or participation, visit www.acpo.org/community-page