ATF Welcomes New Chaplain

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) Assistant Special Agent in Charge John P. Lee welcomes the Rev. Jayson Landeza as the new chaplain for the ATF San Francisco Field Division.

A ceremony was held today at the ATF San Francisco Field Division in honor of Chaplain Landeza, where he received his ATF credentials from Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lee.  Landeza is an ordained priest with St. Felicitas Church in San Leandro.  He comes to ATF with an inspiring resume and currently works with a number of law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area.

"ATF recognizes the high potential for employees to be exposed to and traumatized by critical incidents and we are committed to provide comprehensive crisis management interventions and professional care in such unfortunate circumstances," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lee. 

"I look forward to the opportunity to be of service to ATF," said Chaplain Landeza.

The voluntary position of a chaplain has been instituted to provide comfort and support to ATF employees and their family members in times of crisis.  The ATF chaplain serves without monetary compensation.

Landeza has received numerous awards, including a medal of honor from the Oakland Police Department for his support to the department and families of the four officers slain in 2009.  His specialized training for the position of chaplain for law enforcement extends over three decades.  He has graduated from several Citizen Police Academies and has received extensive training in post traumatic stress syndrome, crisis situations, law enforcement family issues, substance abuse, sensitivity and diversity, and several more courses throughout his lengthy career.

Landeza has served as a board and committee member with several organizations in the East Bay Area for the last 15 years, including Board of Directors of Catholic Charities, Alameda County Human Relations Commission, Chairman of the Region 11 Conference of Presbyteral Senates, and many more.  In his spare time, he enjoys Hawaiian and California history; listening to "old school" rhythm and blues and "classic" soul; and following local high school sports, the Oakland A's, the Oakland Raiders, and University of California, Berkeley, teams.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating violations of federal firearms laws.  More information on ATF and its programs can be found at www.atf.gov.

Contact: Helen Dunkel, Special Agent, PIO
Office: (925) 557-2815
Cell: (925) 202-8135
[email protected]

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives