When discussing the qualities necessary for a successful career in or out of the military, people usually mention hard work, accountability, and commitment to an organization’s mission. Although Phoenix police officer Lance Fadeley embodies all of these attributes, one unsung trait has enabled him to excel in both Army green and police blue. As an Army chaplain, Fadeley survived two tours in Iraq helping Soldiers. His platoon endured numerous firefights and brushes with IEDs (improvised explosive devices).

“My job was mainly to talk to Soldiers,” said the former captain. “About marital troubles, financial troubles, or just missing home and family. Many people get very shaken up in Iraq.”

On the Job
Today, Fadeley, 36, patrols the tough streets of west Phoenix rather than the battlefields of Iraq. However, his commitment to help others is undiminished – no matter if he’s responding to a domestic violence call, robbery, fight, or homicide.

“I try to be a presence of peace and calm,” said Fadeley, whose telephone voice and manners are respectful, and reassuring. “In combat, my Soldiers felt better when they were around me. The same applies to being a cop. People see me as a symbol of order.”

Fadeley works from 0500 to 1500, Friday through Monday. His workday begins with a shift-change briefing discussing administrative issues such as possible overtime as well as city hotspots that might require extra vigilance. Afterwards, Fadeley loads his gear into his cruiser and hits the streets. He returns to the police station at 1430 and fills out reports before heading home.

“I love the daily variety of my job,” Fadeley said. “I’m not cut out to be in a cubicle all day. I get to spend my days interacting with a diversity of people and actually making a difference. Even on my days off, I’m itching to get back to the job.”

Two skills in particular serve him well on a daily basis: communication and counseling. This is especially important when responding to a domestic dispute. Fadeley has no idea what kind of situation could embroil him when he knocks on the door.

Each day is a challenge,” he said.

A Department of Opportunities
The Phoenix Police Department is composed of more than 3,800 officers and support personnel who protect a population of more than 1.55 million and almost 516 square miles of the nation’s fifth-largest city.

New cadets attend the 18-week Arizona Law Enforcement Academy. Classes begin once every month, each with 28 recruits. For acceptance, applicants must pass a battery of tests, including a polygraph, psychological exam, and written test. Military veterans who are honorably discharged (or still serving on active duty) receive five additional points to their scores on the written exam.

Phoenix police officers start with a salary of $45,094 as well as a $2,000 hiring incentive ($1,000 paid after they complete the academy and another $1,000 paid after their one-year probation). They’re also eligible for bilingual incentive pay and education/tuition reimbursement.

In Uniform
Fadeley joined the Army at a crucial time in his life. In 1992, the Maryland native completed two years at the University of Montana. By chance, he befriended some ROTC cadets. Admiring their sharp uniforms and confidence, he joined – earning a degree and commission in 1994. Soon afterwards, he traveled to Fort Gordon, Ga., for signal corps training. During that time, he began attending church and soon felt God’s call to ministry – teaching Sunday school and serving as a youth minister.

He graduated at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky., in 2001, and then entered the Army’s chaplain program at Fort Jackson, S.C. Fadeley served as a chaplin in Iraq from 2003 to 2006. “The hardest part of my time in Iraq was losing friends,” Fadeley said. “I wanted to mourn, but I had to be strong for my Soldiers.”

The Transition
After returning stateside in 2006, Fadeley decided to leave the Army. Some former colleagues who had gone into law enforcement told him about their jobs. The work sounded perfect for him – the chance to help people.

Within the year, Fadeley was in the police academy.

“I took a huge pay cut,” he said. “But I truly love my job and feel extreme joy when coming to work.”

“There’s also a wealth of opportunities,” Fadeley continued. “You can choose to work in a number of departments – vice, homicide, K-9 – it’s up to you.”