Police Chaplain Program

The Morgan Hill Police Department’s Chaplains are the “emotional and spiritual E.M.T” for every member of the police department family and the community we serve. As “paramedics” to “first responders”, they are on call 24/7 and committed to the support and well-being of the department’s sworn officers, professional staff, and their families. They also serve the community in times of crisis, tragedy, and times of joy. Our Chaplain’s services and assistance are available to anyone are completely confidential.

Since coming onboard our Chaplains have actively engaged with the department and greatly assisted in serving Morgan Hill. Activities include presenting at our Community Police Academy, teaching and instructing all recruits during their field training program, participating in National Night Out, incident debriefs, swearing-in ceremonies and Shop with a Cop Event.

Meet our Morgan Hill Police Department Chaplains

We are honored to have Chaplain Michael Burchfield, Chaplain David Willis, and Chaplain Ben Palm bring their ministry experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to helping others to our Chaplaincy Program. To further their commitment to serving our department and community, at their own expense, they have attended the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) annual training seminars. As attendees, they completed 12 Police Chaplaincy training courses and certification training in Individual and group crisis intervention. ICPC is the premier Chaplaincy training and credentialing organization for Chaplains worldwide.  

Michael Burchfield

Mike Burchfield Part of Chaplain Program

Michael Burchfield came to the Morgan Hill/Gilroy area in 1987 and has served as lead pastor of West Hills Community Church since that time. He is a P.O.S.T. (California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training) Certified Law Enforcement Chaplain, a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, and has certificates in Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support for Law Enforcement. In addition, he has over 30 years of experience providing life coaching for people from all walks of life. After serving in the United States Marine Corp, Michael studied electronic engineering at State Technical Institute in Memphis, Tennessee before pursuing theological studies. He and his wife Raquel have two adult sons, and a growing number of grandchildren. He has served as a chaplain for Morgan Hill Police Department since 2008.

Contact Chaplain Burchfield at Michael.Burchfield@morganhill.ca.gov

David Willis

David Willis part of Police Chaplain Program

David Willis is a P.O.S.T. (California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training) Certified Law Enforcement Chaplain, a member of International Conference of Police Chaplain, an ordained minister and holds a doctoral degree in leadership development. Since 2012, David has served as co-pastor of Crossroads Christian Center in Morgan Hill. Prior to that he worked in higher education and the non-profit sector for over 30 years. He has previously served as a university, hospice, police, and fire chaplain.

David and his wife Lynn have three grown children, five grandchildren and lead a non-profit organization empowering women, supporting education, and rescuing children from human trafficking. He is a foodie who enjoys international travel, experiencing different cultures, and reading. David joined the Chaplaincy Program in 2020.

Contact Chaplain Willis at David.Willis@morganhill.ca.gov


Meet our Newest Police Chaplain

Ben Palm is a Bay Area native and loves the unique blend of cultures in this area. He began serving as a chaplain for the Morgan Hill Police Department in 2022 and is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains. He has a Graduate Studies Diploma from Western Seminary and has been working as a pastor since 2003, most recently joining the team at Morgan Hill Bible Church in 2022 as their Pastor of Outreach.

Ben and his wife Laura have three children. Ben enjoys being outdoors and exploring new places. He most often fills his free time with disc golf, a sport rapidly growing in popularity that he and his sons love.

Contact Chaplain Palm at Ben.Palm@morganhill.ca.gov