Ronnie White Continues to Help the Community for the Past Three Decades
Ronnie White Continues to Help the Community for the Past Three Decades (Chicago Heights, IL) — Ronnie White works with people during some of the worst times in their lives. Whether it’s his work as a chaplain for police departments or helping turn lives around as a juvenile officer at the Chicago Heights Police Department, he must meet and mentor people at the crosswords of difficult situations.
“As a juvenile services officer, I work with young people who’ve made mistakes. They may be in the system or are on the path so I help with some preventive measures to keep them from going into the system,” said White. It’s just a passion of mine to work with young people so that they can change some of their ways of thinking, which will change their behavior and help them to become a productive citizen, as they get older.”
He believes to make the most difference you have to help children as early as possible, especially if they are going on the wrong path.
“When you are young, the more opportunities you have to change your ways,” said White. “It’s been my experience that once you become an adult, you kind of get set in your ways. The whole point is to have an opportunity to make some changes now before it’s too late.”
In addition, White was recently appointed to the Illinois State Crime Commission, a nonprofit organization that supports public safety advocacy and information sharing. The ISCC promotes public safety in all communities through a unique blend of awareness and activities and offers members of the General Assembly legislative solutions that keep public safety at the forefront of the legislation impacting police departments across the state.
“It’s about providing support and care for police officers, those agencies, but at times, even in the community. It’s about helping to defuse situations and to work with families that are their victims of crime,” said White.
His well-qualified experience as both a U.S. Military Veteran and spiritual leader offers a unique perspective in his work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Air Marshal Service – Chicago Field Office. White’s leadership skills helped to establish Chaplaincy Programs for the Villages of Dixmoor, IL; Robbins, IL; and Palos Park, IL where he was appointed Police Chaplain for the Palos Park Police Department. He is on call 24/7.
“You know, it’s just truly humbled to have the opportunity to try to make a difference,” he said. “We want to make sure that justice is served and justice is done. But we want people to know that if you have broken the law, that you can turn things around. It’s about a process on how you make choices. It is a lesson on making choices, and once you make that choice, there may be consequences.”
In addition to establishing these Chaplaincy Programs, he also personally serves in that capacity for the municipalities of Park Forest, IL; Palos Heights, IL; the Richton Park Police & Fire Departments in Richton Park, IL; and the South Suburban Emergency Response Team (SSERT). In April 2015, Dr. White was elected to the Prairie State College Board of Trustees.
When he is not at work, he is also an assistant pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Chicago Heights.
He has been in ministry for around 33 years and a police chaplain for 27 years.
“One person can make a difference and that is what it is all about. It could be a smile, a handshake, could be a hug or a listening ear,” said White.
For more information on White you can check out this YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMx1LhRcI0
Ronnie White Continues to Help the Community for the Past Three Decades
Responses