PLACERVILLE, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2025) — Sierra Chaplaincy will hold a Change of Command Ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. in the Community Room at the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, located at 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville. The public ceremony will honor outgoing Executive Director and Senior Chaplain Betsy Vanderpool, who is departing to serve as a Navy chaplain, and will welcome Interim Executive Director and Senior Chaplain Lloyd Ogan into leadership.
Sierra Chaplaincy, a faith-based nonprofit with a secular mission, provides spiritual and emotional support to El Dorado County’s first responders, including law enforcement, fire personnel, dispatchers, and the community during times of trauma. Their services range from crisis response and grief support to chaplain ride-alongs and coffee chats that foster resilience among those who serve.
Chaplain Vanderpool’s transition to military service underscores her deep commitment to serving those in uniform. “We wish Chaplain Vanderpool fair winds and following seas as she answers the call to Navy service,” said a spokesperson for Sierra Chaplaincy. “Her leadership and heart have made a lasting impact across our first responder and faith communities.”
Incoming leader Lloyd Ogan brings with him a background in pastoral care and community engagement. As Interim Executive Director, he will guide the chaplaincy through its next chapter of growth and service.
The event is open to the public, especially those in the first responder and faith communities. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony. For more information, contact Sierra Chaplaincy at (530) 621-1036 or info@sierrachaplaincy.com.
Sierra Chaplaincy of El Dorado County: At a Glance
Overview & Mission
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Founded in 1990 by Senior Chaplain Tim Thompson, Sierra Chaplaincy began as a part-time ministry responding to urgent needs within the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. By 1992, it had incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and expanded to serve the Placerville PD, Folsom PD, South Lake Tahoe PD, and the District Attorney’s Office.
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The organization’s mission is to provide care, comfort and hope to first responders and those affected by tragedies through compassionate, nonjudgmental spiritual and emotional support.
Scope & Reach
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Sierra Chaplaincy now serves a wide network of agencies, including law enforcement, emergency services, fire and EMT teams, probation, search and rescue, and the U.S. Forest Service across El Dorado County—as well as parts of Amador County and the City of Folsom.
Services & Operations
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Chaplains are trained to offer psychological and spiritual first aid during crises, deploying to critical incidents to bring compassion, information, practical assistance, and emotional safety.
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They operate on a 24/7 basis and also support victims of crime, fatal collisions, medical emergencies, suicides, and coroner cases, in addition to serving service personnel and affected community members.
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To augment their response, they provide “Critical Incident Care Bags” containing comforting items for adults, teens, children, and responders—ranging from stress-relief tools to resources and gestures of encouragement.
Organizational Structure & Funding
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EIN: 93‑0786513; founded/in operation since 1992 (incorporation year).
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As of 2022, they had total revenues of about $106,572, with expenses around $115,822, and assets totaling $219,097.
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Funding comes from grants, donations, and foundation support—examples include contributions from Schwab Charitable Fund and AmazonSmile Foundation.
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Staffing is small: two employees reported in 2022, with compensation details including approx. $74,400 for Executive Director Betsy Vanderpool.
Inclusivity & Faith-Based Structure
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Though rooted in a Christian faith-based tradition, Sierra Chaplaincy offers services regardless of religion, faith, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status—emphasizing secular purpose and inclusive care for all.
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Aspiring chaplains must be active in a church, endorsed by clergy, pass background and reference checks, and complete an extensive training (classroom and field) before full service.
Notable Highlights
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Over time, the chaplaincy has deepened its collaboration across multiple county agencies, positioning itself as a trusted first-responder support network in emotionally and spiritually distressing situations.
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Its holistic approach—including deployed chaplains, incident response, and supportive care kits—reflects both practical and compassionate care tailored to local community needs.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 (part-time) / incorporated 1992 |
| Mission | Care, comfort, hope for first responders & trauma survivors |
| Service Area | El Dorado County, Folsom, Amador County |
| Key Services | Crisis response, emotional/spiritual first aid, care bags |
| Funding & Size | 2022 revenue ~$106K / 2 employees |
| Inclusivity | Secular service regardless of personal beliefs |
| Chaplain Requirements | Church involvement, endorsement, training & vetting |
