HISTORY
A look at the major milestones and events in the history of FCPO.
The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA (FCPO) began in October 1971 when two Los Angeles Police Department officers unexpectedly crossed paths at a Bible seminar in Long Beach, California. Recognizing each other, along with several fellow LAPD officers in attendance, they began meeting regularly to study Scripture and pray for ways to share Christ with their colleagues.
Word of these gatherings spread quickly, gaining attention within the department and beyond. At one point, renowned minister Dr. J. Vernon McGee even urged Los Angeles listeners of his Thru the Bible radio broadcast not to call the police between noon and 1 p.m.—because many officers were engaged in Bible study! Originally calling themselves the Fellowship of Christian Policemen, the group expanded its vision in 1972, adopting the name Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers to include all members of the law enforcement community.
FCPO officially incorporated as a nonprofit ministry in 1974, and by 1978, it had established its own logo and newsletter, The Christian Peace Officer. As word spread, Christian officers across the country, burdened for their lost colleagues, began forming local chapters. In 1983, following a joint meeting with FCPO leadership, Canadian officers launched the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-Canada. Originally affiliated as associate members, they soon established their own national office, first in Tillsonburg, later in Woodstock, and now in Ottawa, Ontario. Though operating as separate entities, FCPO-USA and FCPO-Canada continue to collaborate on significant ministry efforts. Notably, in 2005, they collectively contributed $150,000 and manpower to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
In 1988, FCPO-USA moved its National Office from Los Angeles, California, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, partnering with the Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) and the Maclellan Foundation. Many of FCPO’s ministry concepts and materials were adapted from CBMC’s resources to fit the unique ministry needs of law enforcement officers. The organization took a major step forward in 1992, hiring its first full-time director and installing its first computer system. By 2004, FCPO-USA established its first website, further expanding its reach. In 2022, in collaboration with Tyndale House, FCPO-USA released the FCPO Edition Filament Bible, featuring specialized resources and study materials designed specifically for law enforcement officers.
Today, FCPO-USA has members in all 50 states, with local chapters nationwide. Meanwhile, FCPO-Canada continues to grow, organizing chapters along provincial lines in major cities. What began as a small Bible study among LAPD officers has grown into a nationwide and international movement, uniting Christian peace officers in their faith and calling to serve both their communities and Christ with integrity and purpose.
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Board of Directors
Button1978 FCPO Board of Directors (left to right): Dan Kistler, Nick Barbara, Ralph Evans, Meryle Carner, Jack Kistler, Karl Traber, Dick Murphey.
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Early Years
ButtonAs word spread, FCPO began to grow, expanding into a coast-to-coast ministry. FCPO was incorporated as a nonprofit Christian ministry organization in 1974.
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FCPO Canada
ButtonThe Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-Canada was founded in 1983. Hosting a number of chapters across Canada, the Canadian officers initially joined FCPO as associate members but eventually recognized the need to be their own entity.
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Thin Blue Line Filament Bible
ButtonIn partnership with Tyndale House, the FCPO Edition Thin Blue Line Filament Bible was published in 2022 and began to be distributed, from the National Office, as part of the membership materials provided to every FCPO member.
