"Work and pray", the motto of the Benedictines, is one that Fr. Mike likes to use when talking about the Desert Refuge for Peace Officers, affectionately known as “DRPO”. Reverend Michael McCullough is the Executive Director of DRPO, a center located in the desert community of Joshua Tree, California.  This special place is the vision of Father Mike, a Catholic Priest, LAPD Reserve Officer and law enforcement chaplain.

Through his 35 years of ministering to the law enforcement community, Father Mike was led to establish and offer a place of rest and healing to police officers and those who support law enforcement.

DRPO, also known as “the Refuge”, rests on five acres of land in the solitude of the community of Joshua Tree. Over 45 species of birds have been observed at the Refuge. Various desert and drought resistant plants surround DRPO. LAPD Deputy Chief Gary Brennan, retired, and a DRPO Board member since 1999, states, “Our purpose is to provide officers with a retreat, offering respite, relief and an opportunity to seek some balance from the often emotionally and physically challenging career [of law enforcement]."

Father Mike's vision began in 1986 when he realized that those dealing with the stress of police work needed a place to go where healing can occur.   In an article published in LAPD publication The Blue Line, Fr. Mike states, “The purpose of the Desert Refuge is to teach . . . ‘solutions’ to burnout, hopefully in a pro-active way.   We hope to deter suicide and cynicism before they become a fact.” At the Refuge, with no TV and other electronic distractions, people take the time to focus on their spiritual needs.

The Desert Refuge for Peace Officers is a nonprofit organization. All charitable donations go toward the development of the facility to provide housing for guests, a large kitchen to prepare home cooked meals and a chapel for nourishing the soul.

Work parties contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the meditation sites and the 70 plus trees planted by Fr. Mike and previous work parties. Physical labor provides the opportunity to think and listen and heal.  Says Fr. Mike, “There is unbelievable beauty in desert simplicity."

Funding DRPO continues to be a challenge, but the facility has consistently made progress over the years, and the amenities continue to improve through donations of time and money.  "We try to be available at the Refuge the first weekend of every month.  We serve everyone in law enforcement from officers, to the support staff," says Fr. Mike.

Over 115 visitors traveled to Joshua Tree in 2007 to experience DRPO.  There have been over 1000 visitors since the Refuge’s inception in 1999.   DRPO is publicized through a mailing list, at Department events and by word of mouth. DRPO is a nondenominational place of healing and prayer where people of all faiths are encouraged to come for restoration, relaxation and healing.  For Fr. Mike, ". . . [J]oy is seeing someone who was struggling, leave [DRPO] with peace and a resolution. . . . It just doesn't get any better than that."

Donations to the Desert Refuge for Peace Officers are always welcome.