World-Traveling Chaplain On A Mission To Help Brighten Others' Smiles

While his Whiting neighbors were dealing with the snow on Friday, Rev. James Davis was dealing with challenges of a very different sort.

Davis, the Manchester Township Police Department chaplain, is in Bolivia this week, taking part in dental and medical mission trip to provide dental and health care to those in need, according to a news release from the Manchester Township Police Department.

This is the 15th dental mission trip by Davis, 73, who has certification as a dental assistant, and also is serving in the clergy member capacity on the 10-member team, part of the Christian Dental and Medical Missions International organization. He expects to see 500 underprivileged patients during the trip, according to the release.

Davis, who also is chaplain for the Stafford Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, has extensive international experience, with 17 other mission trips to his credit.

“I’m here to support the members of the department, their families, and assist in the community when called upon,” said Davis, who received his master of divinity degree in 1978 and served as pastor of the Whiting United Methodist Church. He began his chaplaincy work in 1976 in Williamstown. Among his duties are helping police officers make death notifications, assisting with crisis situations, and mitigating the stress families deal with during difficult times. He also has responded to major incidents including the World Trade Center site following 9/11 and Honduras after Hurricane Mitch struck in 1998.

“Rev. Davis is an unsung hero. He’s a tremendous asset to the Police Division and our community,” Manchester Police Chief Lisa Parker said in the release. “His responsibilities often involve sensitive and difficult tasks, and he handles everything with the utmost care and compassion. We’re proud of the work he does here in Manchester Township and internationally.”

“I feel professionally fulfilled in getting to help others,” Davis said. “It is extremely rewarding for me.”

His trip to Bolivia is scheduled to conclude on March 29.