tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2190039892499464814.post3998994574707264357..comments2023-09-09T17:19:45.960-04:00Comments on The Vergers Voice: Security Planning and the VergerEileen Brightwell Hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852295650990892810noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2190039892499464814.post-37674876612389586062015-03-23T18:14:38.141-04:002015-03-23T18:14:38.141-04:00My name is Charlie Bolick and I am a "Verger ...My name is Charlie Bolick and I am a "Verger In Training" for St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Pompano Beach, Florida. In my opinion the content of this article is invaluable and I am in total agreement with what Messers. Holloway, Smith and DuTeil have stated. It's hard to imagine something unfortunate happening to, or within, our beloved churches, but the possiblities do exist. If you're like me, when I enter St. Martin I feel a sense of quiet peace, a well ordered dignity, beauty and I feel "safe!" These are things that I want to do my best to preserve. <br /><br />Like Mr. Holloway I am former military, I fought in Vietnam during Tet Offensives I and II and even today volunteer my time to the Department of Veteran's Affairs. I tell you this because we volunteers are trained to handle the unfortunate events mentioned in this article and we are all tested on a yearly basis to be certain that we have retained our training and are current on any changes that may have taken place. We do not need to be as rigorous as a military hospital, but a basic plan of action should be in place.<br /><br />As was witnessed at Blackburn Cathedral, times have changed and we need to adjust and take care. 2 Years ago, before volunteering my services to St. Martin, I learned while going through 18 weeks of police academy training (as a civilian) that individuals as well as our places of worship have an enhanced risk factor, brought about mostly due to changes in the world's economies. <br /><br />I sincerely thank the gentlemen who wrote this article for bringing this tough subject to everyones attention and I am proud that as Vergers we are poised to take a leadership role. Our responsibllities are expanding and I think we're in agreement that it's "all" important.Charliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09528760802247099908noreply@blogger.com