On Monday morning, San Antonio Police honored a man who had served the police department and their families as Chaplain for 17 years.

Chaplain Samuel Spencer was awarded the title 'Chaplain Emeritus' in a ceremony at the police departmet headquarters.

Chief William McManus and the Chaplain Coordinator thanked Spencer for his service to the department before presenting him with a plaque.

"The stress and pressure on these chaplains is probably almost as great as the pressure on the police officer, " McManus said. "Because they experience and hear everything the police officers do."

The chaplains provide comfort and counseling to police officers and their families during difficult times.