Wally began his chaplaincy with the City of Santa Monica, California. He served as the founding Chaplain for the City and Police Department from 1984-1988. Later served in Abingdon, Illinois, and finished 14 years as Chaplain for the Beaverton, OR, Police Department in December, 2007. Since March of 2008, he has served as Chaplain for the Sherwood, OR, Police Department. In December of 2008, the city manager appointed him Chaplain for the City of Sherwood.

He is a Master Certified Chaplain with the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), holds Advanced Credentials with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), and has an MA in Counseling Psychology from George Fox Evangelical Seminary.

Wally served in various pastoral roles since 1980.

He, along with four other Chaplains from the Portland area, served in New York City after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Wally and Linda have been married since 1974. They have two grown boys and one daughter-in-law. The youngest son is serving in law enforcement, and the oldest is an educator and serving in youth work.

Wally sees chaplaincy as missionary work to a sub-culture known as law enforcement. "In many ways, they operate in a different world, in a close-knit family. Not just anyone is let inside. But when you make it inside, the rewards are plentiful," says Wally. He points out that he has received more support and genuine appreciation from officers than any other group. He also finds it rewarding to know that he has helped an officer during a time of personal trauma, affording the officer the opportunity to get back on his or her feet and continue their service to the community.