As the competition heats up between Cleveland Police Chief John Foster and White County Sheriff Neal Walden for the upcoming St. Paul’s “Salute to Heroes” chili cook-off, a new partnership has emerged. The Cleveland police department has appointed Father Thad Rudd of St. Paul the Apostle Church as its newest police chaplain.

Over the past several months, St. Paul’s has worked closely with the Cleveland police and fire departments, the White County Sheriff’s Office and fire department and local EMS on the church’s fall festival scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28. All the agencies are participating in this unique and exciting event, which takes place on church grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will feature a children’s area, live music and entertainment all day, a jewelry bazaar, silent auction, arts and crafts and lots of food, including the chili competition among first responders. Proceeds from the activities, food sales and silent auction will benefit the church’s outreach programs for the needy in the community. All are invited.

Additional supporters of the event include United Community Bank, White County Chamber of Commerce, Barrett Funeral Home, Ingles, Café International, Piggly Wiggly, Stepping Stone Farm, the Black Bear Dinner Theatre, The Bentley Group, White County News, Georgia 105 and WRWH 1350 AM. Each is dedicated to serving the community.

As a Cleveland police chaplain, Father Rudd will be available as a Catholic presence to police and those involved in crisis, emergency and law enforcement events. Cleveland police serve an ever-growing and diverse community. Father Rudd also serves as a chaplain for the Gainesville police department.

“It’s an honor for me to be asked by these two agencies to serve as their police chaplain. Although we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, those of us that practice the Catholic faith would certainly want to have a priest available. It is a profound responsibility, and I am honored to be called to serve in this capacity,” said Father Rudd.