HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD Proclamation Reverend Jan Heglund
City of San Rafael
Proclamation
Presented to
Reverand Jan Heglund
WHEREAS, because of the many important contributions that the Reverend Jan Heglund has made to the City
of San Rafael, the San Rafael Police Department, and to countless individuals elsewhere, she is
deserving of being honored and specially recognized; and
WHEREAS, for 27 years, Reverend Jan Heglund has faithfully served as the San Rafael Police Department
Chaplain, providing unwavering emotional, spiritual, and compassionate support to crime
victims, their families, and first responders; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Jan Heglund responded to one of the nation’s most tragic events, traveling to Ground
Zero in the days following the September 11, 2001, attacks to minister to rescue and recovery
personnel, serving through the long hours at St. Paul’s Chapel, and offering comfort to those in the
midst of trauma and grief; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Jan Heglund has been a guiding presence during countless critical incidents, offering
words that brought peace in times of pain and a voice that conveyed deep understanding, never
leaving the side of grieving families until every need was met; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Jan Heglund co-founded the First Responders Support Network, a San Rafael nonprofit
dedicated to supporting first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress, and was recognized
for her lifetime of service with induction into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013; and
WHEREAS, over her decades of service, she officiated 85 weddings, provided heartfelt eulogies for fallen
officers, and blessed all, from homes touched by violence to cherished family pets, always meeting
people where they were, with empathy, humility, and grace; and
WHEREAS, her presence has been an integral part of the police department culture, symbolizing care, stability,
and trust; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Jan Heglund's selfless dedication, sincere kindness, humor, and remarkable strength
have left a lasting and immeasurable impact on the police department members she served beside,
the families she supported, and the community she embraced as her own.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, on behalf of the entire community of San Rafael, the City, and the City Council, I,
Kate Colin, do hereby warmly express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Reverend Jan Heglund for her
exceptional service, compassion, and legacy of love. We honor her as she embarks on a well-earned retirement and extend
our heartfelt best wishes for her next chapter.
___________________________
Kate Colin
Mayor