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She's a chaplain's chaplain and they love her by Dick Peterson Public Relations For every police officer killed in the line of duty, four commit suicide.  It's a statistic that women's health nurse Angela Raney has worked hard to nullify. And those entrusted with law enforcement in Charleston are grateful. At their Tenth Anniversary Banquet, Jan. 25, the chaplains, officers and directors of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy showed that gratitude by presenting Raney with the annual J.V. Nichols Dedicated Service Award for “performing outstanding volunteer service for the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy and the community.” Hers is an estrogen—testosterone kind of life, as Raney, R.N., MSN, likes to describe it. As manager of Ambulatory Women's Health Services at MUSC, she’s awash in the female hormones that affect the health of her clients. But one night a week and whenever she’s needed, her calling is to serve and protect those who serve and protect.  Officially, Raney is the medical liaison for the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy service, an independent arm of Lowcountry law enforcement. They exist to serve the spiritual and practical needs of people—officers, firefighters,  and victims—who are caught up in the many tragic crisis situations that emergency personnel typically face. And often these situations demand non-emergency medical attention. Raney finds it and makes sure it's appropriate. But while she's at it, she's watching for that “look in the eye” that tells her a chaplain, a police officer or any of the others who respond in emergencies need help. “There's a care-weariness there on the faces of people who see over and over the tragedies of life without any balance,” she said. “I mean, when you're always in control, where do you go to get restored? Where do the helpers get help?” Two years ago, Raney was completing her master's degree in psychiatric nursing and was assigned to Joseph Zealberg, M.D., and his Mobile Crisis program, which led to an internship with Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. “I was wary of bringing in an intern,” said Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy director Rev. Rob Dewey. “It just hadn't worked out in the past, but Angela sold herself.” He said it was her determination and commitment that persuaded him to give her a try. Dewey said that the chaplaincy became her field site, she got her degree, “and she stayed on with us.” He said anybody can get a degree and go to work, but Raney works “outside the box,” she “takes it to the streets and ministers to the officers and chaplains. I hope she never leaves.” Raney also compiled—with the help of Dewey and other chaplains, she insists—a Handbook of Procedures and Guidelines for the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, the first of its kind in the nation, and one that is in demand at other chaplaincy services around the country. And, as a member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, she concluded a recent 40-hour required course for state coroners at the S.C. Police Academy with a presentation on the importance of coroners taking care of themselves. “She gave them the tools to cope,” said Charleston County coroner Susan Chewning. “Seeing how inhumane people can be to each other can be a physical and emotional drain. She helped them discover their best outlet and taught them how to laugh at themselves. “You will not find a more compassionate person,” Chewning said. “I find the work compelling,” Raney said. “I have a passion for it now, and I don't always know why. It's like the finger of God pushing you in a direction and that's where you go.” Raney has a great relationship with the chaplains, Dewey said, describing how she routinely follows up with them after a particularly stressful situation. And to fully understand the work of police officers, Raney is a once-a-week ride-along. “She's there as a nurse-caregiver to the people who are the most difficult to help,” he said.  “And she makes the most awesome cookies.” Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and their chaplains wade almost daily into the rubble of both natural and human disasters to pull out the innocent, the victim and even the offender. The job takes its toll. Angela Raney composed this poem that ministers to chaplains by expressing their thoughts in a prayer as they face still one more crisis. The Crisis Chaplain's Prayer by Angela Raney Those blue lights flash and break my heart Show me Lord, the place to start. Red lights glare, sirens rise Unspeakable sights before my eyes. Helpers, victims fill the scene. Action will muffle the silent scream, inside those helpers, so strong, so ready, my ministry, to keep them steady. Let me show in some small way, You've not abandoned them today. For You sent me, God, to this place to touch with love, to use Your grace. So in crisis, give my tongue, right words to ease what has begun. Guide my arms, to embrace their task, one who needs, but will not ask.  And Father, One more thing I beg today because of our weak human way- help me shelter them from the doubt, when we see such pain,  What You're about.