East Idaho Newsmakers: Pistol in the Pulpit Pastor Tim Rupp

In this edition of East Idaho Newsmakers, Nate Eaton speaks with Pastor Tim Rupp. Rupp is the founder of The Strong Blue Line and pastor of River of Life Church and Cop Church in Idaho Falls.

Rupp’s law enforcement career spans four decades. His father was both a career military man and pastor, so it was natural for him to enlist in the Air Force after graduating high school in 1979. Rupp served four years active duty as an Air Force law enforcement specialist. After his enlistment, he joined the San Antonio Police Department and gave 24 years of dedicated service before retiring in 2007. He worked as a patrol officer, homicide detective, patrol sergeant, sex crimes sergeant, police academy supervisor, and internal affairs sergeant-investigator. He continues to serve with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy.

Before retiring from the police department, Rupp was called to pastor Elm Creek Baptist Church in La Vernia, TX, just outside of San Antonio. After retiring from the police department, he was called to pastor full-time in Idaho Falls.

Rupp wrote 'Pistol in the Pulpit,' a book described as a biblical and tactical response to active shooters in the house of worship.

Watch the video above to see the entire conversation.