Blue Watch Spotlight

In July, we inaugurated the Blue Watch Spotlight, a quarterly series that features someone for their volunteerism and dedication to Blue Watch or for their outstanding service to the law enforcement profession. In the first edition, we featured retired Houston County Sheriff Andy Hughes. 

This quarter we are featuring Jim Cartledge. Jim was one of the three founding Blue Watch Board Members. Recently, Jim decided to step away from the board. Jim has represented us well and has been a champion for the mission. Words are not enough to express our appreciation to Jim for his friendship, dedication and love.

Recently we sat down with Jim and asked him a few questions.

Tell us about life and where you grew up.

I grew up in Birmingham, attended Birmingham schools then went on to attend UAB where I received a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1958, I married my lovely wife Deanna, and we are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters. We now have the joy of being grandparents to three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

At a young age, I was licensed to the Gospel ministry and have always been involved in ministry. Over the last 40 years, Deanna and I have taught many Bible classes and we continue to be involved in ministry activities.

Tell us about your experience as a police chaplain and what you see as the challenges facing officers and their families.

Back in 2017, the Vestavia Hills Police Department decided to start a chaplain’s program. In doing so, they reached out to area churches seeking people who were willing to serve. My church, Shades Mountain Baptist, put forth my name and subsequently I was approached about serving. I was excited to be a part of this founding group of chaplains and instantly knew this is what the Lord had been preparing me for all these years.

The opportunity to minister to the officers and their families has been a privilege and blessing as I have walked alongside them through the struggles of life.

How can organizations like Blue Watch help officers and their families?

Blue Watch and other like-minded organizations can help officers and their families by walking alongside in the journey of life, being encouragement for them. They can also help providing educational and training resources that can help. But most importantly, we can pray for them daily. 

Thanks again to Jim for all he has done. We wish you the best in all you do.

Fall Training Series

Earlier this month, retired San Antonio Police sergeant, author and now pastor Tim Rupp, visited us from Idaho.

We traveled the state on a four-day journey that began in Dothan and ended in Florence. The message Tim brought was one of encouragement and hope. Be on the lookout for a complete report in the November newsletter. 

What’s Next

Planning is underway for the year ahead in 2023. In the weeks ahead we will be meeting with key law enforcement leaders and strategic ministry partners from across the state. We want to hear from the officers and their families as to what are their greatest needs and how greatest we can best minister to them.

If you have ideas, suggestions of questions feel free to reach out. You can do so by emailing us at info@bluewatchfoundation.org.

Order Your Book Today

Blue Watch wants officers to have a clear mind and a whole heart. On our website we offer resources that we believe will help them. Currently we offer the following books:

  • “Winning A Gunfight…securing victory ethically, mentally and tactfully in a gunfight”: There is much more to winning a gunfight than just physically surviving. Most who are in gunfights survive but may not win. Learn the difference and how you can survive and win.
  • “Suicide Is Not an Option”: Each year 2.5-3 times more officers take their own life than are murdered in the line of duty. Despite the efforts of many, the suicide rate amongst law enforcement officers continues to rise. A retired police sergeant and author, Tim Rupp, explores the spiritual aspects and argues there is meaning to life beyond the individual.
  • “Courageous Living Bible Study”: This four-session Bible study is designed to challenge you to live courageously for the sake of your family. Based on the movie “Courageous,” session topics include fighting for your family, valuing what matters most, impacting future generations, and standing for Christ.

To order your FREE book, visit our Book Giveaway page and let us know which book you would like!

Once you have read the book, please share with us your thoughts, good or bad, and we hope you will pass along the book to a fellow officer.

Get Involved

There are many ways to support the Blue Watch mission:

  • Pray – we need prayer warriors who will pray for us on an ongoing basis and at special events.
  • Volunteer – we are in need of people who will help manage our website, social media and other aspects of the ministry. If the mission of Blue Watch is of interest to you and you have a skillset to offer, consider Blue Watch.
  • Donate – it takes money to make all of this to happen. The Lord greatly blessed us in 2021, but to continue our progress will require increased giving. You can give online or by check.

If any of these are of interest to you, please email us at info@bluewatchfoundation.org.

Support the Mission

Please prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to Blue Watch. It is through the faithful giving of many across the state that has made all we have done possible, and to continue the mission, will require greater community support.
If you feel led to support, you can donate by visiting our website and clicking the “Donate” button or by making a check payable to Blue Watch and mailing to 2620 Swiss Lane, Birmingham, AL 35226. 

Blue Watch is a 501c(3) non-profit. All donations are tax deductible.

The mission of Blue Watch is to help officers and their families experience the relevance and benefits of God in their lives.