Priest sworn in as police chaplain

October 26, 2017


ST. RAPHAEL PARISH PAROCHIAL VICAR FATHER ANDREW SPYROW RECEIVES HIS BADGE FROM PARISHIONER AND RETIRED SHERIFF’S OFFICER BUZZ KEATON DURING HIS SWEARING IN OCT. 6 AS CHAPLAIN FOR THE SAN RAFAEL POLICE DEPARTMENT. (PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GRAY/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Father Andrew Spyrow, parochial vicar of St. Raphael Parish in San Rafael, was sworn in Oct. 6 as police chaplain for the San Rafael Police Department with parish staff and parishioners on hand. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone appointed Father Spyrow after learning of his interest in being present to members of the Police Department, which is located a block from the St. Raphael Parish. Father Spyrow said he is getting to know officers by going on patrol car ride-alongs as he prepares himself to offer pastoral care to officers and their families who are often all affected by the stress of the job. After taking his oath and receiving his badge and welcome by San Rafael Police Chief Diana Bishop, Father Spyrow joked, “Now I’ll be serving two bishops!”