The East Lansing Police Department has appointed two new chaplains and plans to introduce them at a free community event Saturday, Oct. 3.

Pastor Sang Yun (Philip) Lee and Pastor Jon Slaughter are the department's newest chaplains, according to a city announcement. Both will attend the fifth annual Faith & Blue event at Frances Park, 2701 Moores River Drive in Lansing, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

East Lansing Police Chief Jennifer Brown said the chaplains' role centers on community ties. "We are happy to welcome Pastor Lee and Pastor Slaughter to the ELPD family," Brown said. "Faith & Blue is a great chance for community members to meet them, share a meal and get to know the people behind the badge."

Lee is an ordained pastor with more than 20 years of ministry experience in Ontario and Michigan. He currently leads the East Lansing University Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Williamston Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Slaughter serves as pastor of Christ Temple Church and as Diocesan Bishop of the 82nd Episcopal District (Peru District Council) of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. He previously served as a chaplain with the Lansing Police Department and sits on the Wayne County Sheriff's Office advisory board.

The department said chaplain services are available to all personnel, including non-sworn employees, regardless of religious affiliation. According to the FBI's Law Enforcement Bulletin, police chaplains work to foster stronger relationships between officers and the communities they serve, and may also assist with officer well-being and crisis intervention.

Six law enforcement agencies will host the Oct. 3 event: the East Lansing Police Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety, Lansing Township Police Department, City of Lansing Police Department and Ingham County Sheriff's Office. Robinson Memorial Church of God in Christ, at 509 Charles St. in Lansing, is presenting the event.

The event is free. Attendees can expect food, horse rides, a petting zoo and games.

Faith & Blue is a national initiative that brings law enforcement and residents together through events organized with faith-based groups. The national Faith & Blue Weekend is scheduled for Oct. 9-12; the local event is Oct. 3.