Aaron Gesch sworn in as a WHP chaplain

Basin’s Aaron Gesch was recently sworn in as a Wyoming Highway Patrol chaplain, a duty he described as a “natural” avenue. Gesch, the pastor at First Baptist Church of Basin, will now also serve Wyoming Highway Patrol Troop G – Big Horn, Park, Washakie and Hot Springs counties. 

“I’ve always had respect for law enforcement and the men and women that serve in those capacities,” Gesch said. He reported several law enforcement officers attend his services, and the church was already looking for ways to give back. When a local patrolman asked Gesch if he would be interested in becoming a chaplain, he took the opportunity.

After an interview and background check similar to what an officer might undergo, Gesch was sworn in Feb. 17 in Cheyenne. He attended a training through Rocky Mountain Police and Fire Chaplains in Golden, Colo. and is now set to serve. 

“It is a ministry of presence,” Gesch said of his new duties. It is a distinct and separate practice from his regular role as pastor; helping law enforcement deliver notifications to families when needed and provide support for officers. 

“We are simply there to provide support to them in any way we can,” he said. Gesch joins about seven Wyoming Highway Patrol chaplains across the state. While chaplains have historically existed in the military, chaplains in law enforcement are a fairly new idea, with Wyoming Highway Patrol starting the program in 2016. 

“There is a growing acknowledgement that it is needed,” Gesch said, in regard to the difficult experiences and situations law enforcement officers often endure. “They need a variety of different support.”