Competition raises funds for first responders' chaplain

The Braveheart Chaplain Ministry has been looking out for the Flathead Valley’s first responders for nearly seven years.

Now they’re ready to return the favor.

On Saturday, May 20, at CrossFit Flathead, the Kalispell Police Officers Association (KPA) is hosting “Battle for Braveheart,” an all-day athletic competition to raise money for the nonprofit ministry.

Braveheart provides chaplain services for police, fire and other emergency workers and is staffed full-time by one paid employee, chaplain Drew Buckner. The chaplain has an office at the Kalispell Police Department and regularly visits the Kalispell Fire Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and others, and he’s traveled regularly to all manner of crime and emergency scenes as part of his work.

“Drew acts as a de facto therapist for us, or counselor,” Doug Overman, the investigations captain at the Kalispell Police Department and a member of Braveheart’s board of directors, said. “He’s a trusted person for us to share things with ... he’s able to have a decent understanding of what law enforcement or fire go through on a regular basis. Drew’s always been out there and can empathize with us in a unique way.”

At those crime and emergency scenes, Buckner also ministers to families, many of whom have just gone through what Overman called “the most traumatic experience in their life.”

“Drew can be there to assist them in any number of ways and it doesn’t even have to be from a spiritual standpoint,” Overman added.

“To help the person understand the process and the next option in their lives ... whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a significant issue of abuse or neglect.”

Buckner or one of several volunteer chaplains is always on call, available 24 hours a day, and the entire organization is funded entirely by donations.

“It’s a good organization and it’s one to get behind,” Chad Fetveit, the school resource officer at Glacier High and a member of the KPA said. “They do a lot for the community when citizens and first responders need them the most.”

Fetveit is organizing the “Battle for Braveheart” and has planned three athletic competitions to challenge participants of all skill levels. The day begins with a 5K run at 9 a.m., continues with a CrossFit “Fran” workout — a sequence of pull-ups and thrusters — at noon and ends with a dead lift ladder at 3 p.m. Trophies will be handed out to the top female and male performers in each event.

This is the first time the KPA has put on a fundraiser for Braveheart and the gesture was not lost on Buckner, who serves as the group’s executive director.

“I was just very encouraged and very appreciative that they would take initiative and see the need to support Braveheart,” he said.

Buckner said the ministry will be part of four events this year to supplement the private, church and business contributions, and hoped Saturday’s event would give a boost to Braveheart’s coffers.

“Whether it’s me or somebody else doing the work, it’s a vital service to the community and our community needs to sustain this,” Buckner said.

Those interested in “Battle for Braveheart” can register online at www.battleforbraveheart.com or on Saturday at CrossFit Flathead in Kalispell. The cost is $25 to enter a single event, $45 for two or $60 for all three. At-will donations from those not competing will also be accepted.

Entertainment editor Andy Viano can be reached at (406) 758-4439 or aviano@dailyinterlake.com.