Chaplain
Reverand Carl Word

Reverand Word was appointed to his position as Chaplain for the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office in 1995 by Sheriff Larry Watson.  Since that time Brother Word has faithfully served the men and women of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office as the official chaplain.

Reverand Word feels that this is a calling, to be with the officers in their times of distress.  Brother Word brings a lot of enthusiasm to his role and he gets a great deal of satisfaction from his efforts both in the Sheriff's Office and Jail.  He tries to visit the office once every two weeks, sometimes he just meets the staff in passing, however he feels that it makes a difference just having a ministry presence at the office.  He not only visits the Sheriff's office, however visits the courthouse and other county offices and officers as well.

His role as chaplain sometimes requires him to assist deputies with death related calls such as:  suicides, homicides, as well as fatality accident death notifications and counseling the families of the victims.  He also serves as a spiritual counselor to personnel during times of distress.

Reverand Word was converted in 1952, when he was 22 years old in the Panhandle.  He has been an ordained minister for approximately 45 years.  Brother Word has served on the District Board for the Pentecostal Church of God since 1969, and on the General Board for 22 ½ years.  He is an Honorary Member of the board on National and District levels.  He has built churches and pastored many churches throughout Texas, Missouri, and Michigan.   

He has two children, Kay and Gary, both of which are in the ministry.  He also has three grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all of which are in the ministry.  His son Gary, pastors in Abilene; and his daughter Kay and her husband pastor Cityview Trinity in Mineral Wells, where Brother Word is on staff.  He has a grandson who is a music and youth minister in San Angelo,  another grandson who is a music and youth minister in Mineral Wells, and a granddaughter who is in youth ministry in Abilene.  His family shows the true testament of his faith and devotion to the works of the lord, for he has devoted his entire life to ministry.

Sheriff Mercer, has played an active role in getting Brother Word's certifications up to date and renewed for his position as chaplain for the PPSO.  Sheriff Mercer and his personnel consider Reverand Word as a true friend and an asset to the County and this office.