My name is Chuck Mehl. I have been volunteering at Marian House since 2023.

My volunteer journey began in 1975, when I converted to Catholicism and joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located directly across the street from Marian House. In 1977, I felt compelled to study for the priesthood. I attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. Over time, I realized the priesthood was not for me. During that time, however, I met many people who embodied the true meaning of Christian service.

In 1980, I became a police officer. I remained in that profession for 41 years and retired from the Aurora Police Department in 2021. In 1981, I married my wife of 45 years. Together, we raised two children and now enjoy being the grandparents of four grandkids.

As a policeman, I came into contact with countless people experiencing some form of distress. During my career, I served in a number of different assignments. My longest assignment was nineteen years in the Homicide Unit as a detective. My time in the Homicide Unit exposed me to both the worst and the best in people. That applies to those with whom I worked and those who were directly impacted by horrendous crimes.

Looking back on my police career, I tried as well as I could to treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of the situation. There were times when I fell short of that goal, but I always tried to exemplify our Christian principles with people I came in contact with.

Retirement brought me full circle as I found myself back in the St. Mary’s Cathedral neighborhood. I drive down from the Denver area once a week to volunteer at the Marian House Marketplace food pantry. I find this work to be very gratifying. From my co-volunteers to those in need, I am inspired and thankful to be a small part of this Catholic Charities community. 

If you would like to volunteer at Marian House or any program within Catholic Charities, visit our volunteer page on this website: Volunteer | Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.