Programs & Facilities / Jail Ministry

The Chaplaincy at Pierce County Corrections is sponsored by the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Listed below is our current chaplain's staff.

Rich Odegard
Rich began as a volunteer in 1994, serving with Chaplain Hack Yadon. With the addition of the Jail Annex, he became an associate Chaplain serving in that facility. In March of 1999, Chaplain Hack resigned. The Tacoma Rescue Mission contracted with the county and retained Rich as the program Director.

Reverend Earl E. Echols
Reverend Echols came to us in 2008 via 20 years of service in the U. S. Navy, has served as an ordained minister in pastorates and most recently was working with Safe Streets Weed and Seed program and the Boys and Girls Club of Lakewood. Chaplain Echols primary responsibility is the oversight of the Responsible Living Unit.

Dr. Archie Luck
Dr. Luck, a volunteer since 1983, hired in 1999 to fill the Annex position now anchors the New Jail duties.

Pam Norfleet
Pam is our newest member coming to assist us with (primarily) services to the women. Her background in personal ministry including other correction facilities will be an added blessing.

Lois Odegard
Lois is the Chaplaincy Administrative Assistant. She has worked for the Tacoma Rescue Mission since 2000 and has anchored the office duties at the Jail Chaplaincy since 2002.

What We Do...
The Correction Bureau Chaplaincy provides spiritual and personal growth enhancement opportunities to inmates of all persuasions. We act as a bridge between inmates and the community; family, religious leaders and the professional field. . We also desire to provide, to any inmate, the spiritual and motivational foundation to reenter the community with positive behavior.

Our provided services include the following:

  • Weekly religious services
  • Correspondence study program
  • Obtaining and distributing inspirational books and literature
  • Processing attendance lists for various inmate programs
  • Services
  • Spiritual studies and visitation
  • Personal and emergency crisis counseling
  • Verifying and notifying inmates of illness and death of family members
  • Processing and keeping records of religious diets
  • Assisting the Humane Society regarding the animals of inmates
  • Managing and conducting the "Responsible Living Unit"
  • Managing and conducting the "Chaplain's Class: Confronting Addictions"
  • Networking with individuals, organizations and/or agencies providing after care programs

Send Us a Kite...

  • For religious literature-
  • For a visit-
  • For a special religious diet-
  • For AA/NA meetings-
  • For an emergent family situation-
  • For the Responsible Living Unit;
    • An entire unit dedicated to changing lives through Biblical principles. (Main Jail only)
  • For access to Chaplain' Class: Confronting Addictions A 60-day program for men and women. (Annex only)

Please Help Us!

  • Print your requests.
  • Put your booking name on all kites.
  • Put your correct and complete location on your kites.
  • Date your kites.
  • If you request a religious diet, corrections Officer must initial your request for us to process it.

Pierce County Sheriff Corrections
910 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
253-798-2187