"The Chief of Police gave me this,” said Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski, showing us his TPD shield.
He is a Tampa Police first; a Rabbi with a badge.
"Polygraph was definitely a unique experience. I was very afraid that I was failing the entire time," he explained jokingly.
Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski of Tampa’s Chabad Chai is the first Jewish Chaplain to work for the Tampa Police Department.
He completed a year of dedicated training to get here.
"Faith leaders have a unique opportunity to provide meaning and guidance to citizens and officers that experience challenging moments."
Rabbi Mendy has already helped during some of those moments lending his guidance to the family of motorcycle Officer Howard Gimbel who died in an off-duty crash in 2016.
"When I get a call, you know I try my best to respond as quickly as possible whether it's a blessing, if it's an officer who needs support and guidance. There's going to be some kind of unique challenge or struggle,” he said.
His role will also be to serve as a community liaison.
"In instances where security becomes a concern, I'm able to help communicate some of those concerns within the Jewish community to the department,” said Rabbi Dubrowski.
Rabbi Mendy is one of 10 police chaplains serving TPD during difficult times-- a job he never expected but believes is part of his calling to serve the Bay Area.
