For LERT volunteer and team leader Mark Razny, serving the community doesn’t always require a chainsaw or a muck bucket. Sometimes, all it takes is being there when someone asks.

When he heard that the neighboring community of Crete, IL, had endured a very tragic week, he knew the townspeople needed the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs — and ready to respond were the teams for Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, IN), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, IN), and Michael (LCC Staff).

Crete’s tragic week began on March 23, when a woman allegedly shot an ex-boyfriend and then killed his mother and father in their home. Later that week, a grandfather and his three grandchildren were trapped in a burning home and perished. Three days later, a large family gathering allegedly turned into a domestic dispute and gun battle with three people shot, one of whom died at an area hospital. Two others are still in critical condition.

For a community of 15,000, Crete was rocked by this series of tragic events.

Recognizing the impact on its residents, Crete officials organized a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) last weekend and requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be present for help in offering mental health and support services for the community.

Over two days at the Crete Public Library, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers sat with, encouraged, and prayed with residents, children, town officials, and first responders who needed a few moments of quiet, peace, and encouragement.

On Thursday, Caleb and Michael visited with children and Crete residents, bringing smiles and joy. Their soft fur and waggy tails served as a welcome break from the anxiety and hurt felt around town.

On Saturday, Jael joined Caleb and Michael for a second afternoon of presence, cuddles, and friendly pets. Handlers listened to stories and offered support for the trauma that the community was still feeling.

“In a small community, to have three incidents like that in a few days is heavy and heartbreaking,” one handler said. “The people we met were so thankful to have some time to put that out of their minds and connect with a caring person. We were grateful to be able to be present with them.”

LCC thanks the following K-9 Comfort Dog volunteers: 
Hollye Blossom (Jael)
Joe Cunningham (Caleb)
Dan Fulkerson (Michael)
Kristen Kearney (Caleb)
Nancy Lashenik (Jael)

At Marie Montessori at Marsh School, Bella was a beloved student, known for her creativity, kindness, and joy.

A published author as middle schooler, she had a remarkable spirit and was gifted at expressing herself in ways that inspired her classmates.

When she passed away in April, the loss was immense for the entire school community.

“Together, we remember, we grieve, and we honor a life that meant so much to so many,” the school shared on its Facebook page.

To help students process their sorrow and sadness, four LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Illinois and Wisconsin visited the campus in Rockford, IL, to spend time with the 130 seventh- and eighth-graders

Responding to the call to be there for the school’s oldest two grades were LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel – Crystal Lake, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI) and Rejoice (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI), who sat in on an English lesson with seventh-graders and cuddled with eighth-graders between classes.

As only a comfort dog can, the four golden retrievers nuzzled students’ arms and positioned their bodies next to their middle school friends for pets and hugs.

“These seventh-grade boys sat and pet Bethesda for 20 minutes while their teacher read them a story from a book they were studying in English. I was so wonderful to watch the love being shared between them,” shared one handler.   

“The staff was so kind and Bella was very loved by her teachers and classmates. They had lots of wonderful memories of her.”

Bella had recently shared her heart and care for others through a book she wrote called YOUniquely Made about embracing one’s own story.

Her classmates also recalled in 2024 when Bella’s artwork was selected to be the design for a special jersey of the Rockford IceHogs, a local minor league hockey team, which was celebrating a literacy initiative. The school shared the video short the team filmed about her: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1293018398709355

The LCC teams could sense God’s presence and love during their visit, praying for the students, teachers, and staff.

“Through the crisis of the loss of a fellow student, so many sad hearts finding a bit of healing and comfort with the dogs’ help. It was beautiful to witness the love for a fellow student who lived a remarkable life,” another handler said. “These students loved on each other, loved and hugged our dogs, and were loved on by their teachers and support staff.”


LCC joins in the ongoing prayers for peace and comfort for the entire community of Marie Montessori at Marsh School.

Found

Luke 15:4-6 (NIV)
 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the 99 in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’”

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Seven

Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV)
 “Then Peter came up and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven time, but seventy-seven times.’”

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Both puppies are starting to bond with their volunteer apprentice trainers as they work on socialization, training, and new adventures ahead.

Please enjoy following them on social media as they start their journeys to become LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. 

The memorial took place at First Baptist Church of Trussville, Alabama—a sanctuary so large it seemed to stretch endlessly. Yet what filled it most was not its size, but its spirit.
 
“There was this whole ocean of blue uniforms… at least 200.”
 
Dress blues. Crisp, solemn, unified. Rows upon rows of Air Force personnel stood shoulder to shoulder—pilots, crew members, spouses—each one carrying both grief and pride.
 
Karen, herself an Air Force veteran and the wife of a pilot, found connection easily.
 
“It was easy for me to talk with them… asking if they had worked or flown with Major Klinner.”
 
What she discovered was extraordinary. Not only had many known him—they had flown beside him. Some had traveled across the country, from places like Washington and Oklahoma, just to be there.
 
“Friends traveled across the country to his memorial… not family, but the ones who flew with him.”
 
Because when you serve together—especially far from home—you become something deeper than coworkers. You become family.

But what defined Major Klinner most was not just his service—it was his faith.
 
“Major Klinner was a strong Christian, who lived out his love for God—always.”
 
This wasn’t a quiet or occasional faith. It was visible—in his devotion to his wife and three young children, in his friendships, in the way he treated strangers, and in how he carried himself in the demanding world of military aviation.
 
The eulogies painted a clear picture:
 
“What a life walking with the Lord should look like.”
 
Again and again, speakers shared how he put others first—how he reached out, encouraged, and uplifted.
 
“He always reached out to others… always thinking about others.”
 
And in the midst of overwhelming grief, the service never lost sight of something eternal.
 
“The service included a Gospel message… a reminder to the 1,000 folks there that our grief isn’t without a greater hope.”
 
At the close, the pastor spoke words that seemed to gather the entire day into a single truth:
 
“Today is a day to honor Alex Klinner, but at the end of the day, it’s really about honoring the God that Alex loved and served.”
 
Karen reflected simply: “That’s what I want expressed at my memorial someday.”

Karen brought with her a tangible symbol of compassion—a “Heart of Mercy & Compassion” for attendees to sign. What began as uncertainty turned into a powerful act of unity.
 
“Most were happy to sign the heart.”
 
Each signature became a prayer, a memory, a message of love that would travel back to the families.
 
A Public Affairs Officer ensured that all three hearts would reach their respective families—and even be shared with squadron members who couldn’t attend.
 
It was a quiet but profound reminder: even in loss, love continues to move.

In the end, this was more than a memorial. It was a testimony.
 
A testimony of service.
Of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Of sacrifice.
And most of all—of faith.
 
“Please continue to pray for our service men and women—fighting and flying—and for their families here at home.”
 
Because behind every uniform is a story. Behind every mission is a family. And behind lives like Major Klinner’s is something eternal—something that points beyond loss to hope.
 
And in that sanctuary, filled with an ocean of blue, that hope was unmistakably present.

Some moments shake a community to its core. The loss of Jayceon DeLuna, a beloved freshman basketball player at Bowsher High School in Toledo, OH, is one of them.

Jayceon was deeply admired by peers and teachers alike, and his passing left a profound void, felt especially by the students who were closest to him. Grief ripples outward, touching lives in ways we cannot always see.

In the aftermath, the school became a place of mourning, reflection, and healing. Comfort dogs Claudia, Damascus, and Lazarus arrived quietly, bringing calm and presence to students navigating intense emotions.

The Power of Presence
When words fall short, presence matters.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, OH), Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, OH), and Lazarus (LCC Staff) arrived alongside their handlers, stepping quietly into a space filled with grief, anger, confusion, and sorrow. Their mission was simple yet profound: to bring calm.

And calm is exactly what they delivered.

“We were greatly needed and so appreciated,” one handler shared. “By the end of the day many tears were dried and smiles started to appear.”

In the library, where counselors met with students in small groups, emotions ran deep. Some students spoke openly about their grief. Others sat in silence, overwhelmed. Many were navigating not just this loss, but past grief as well—a heartbreaking reminder that for some, this was not their first encounter with tragedy.

Yet, amid the pain, moments of connection emerged.

One young girl sat beside Lazarus, gently petting him as he lay close, eventually placing his paw softly on her arm. It was a quiet gesture, but in that moment, it meant everything. A handler described it simply as “a God moment.”

Nearby, another student, visibly upset, found comfort as Damascus stretched out in front of him. As he spoke about being in the “mad stage” of grief, his hand instinctively reached down to stroke her head—an anchor in a storm of emotion.

And Claudia offered steady, silent support to Jayceon’s sister, curling up beside her as she shared her fears and heartbreak with a counselor. No words, just warmth. Sometimes, that is enough.

A Community Holding On
Teachers, counselors, and administrators worked tirelessly to support students throughout the day. Their gratitude for the comfort dogs and their handlers was clear, but so was their hope that such a need would not arise again anytime soon.

Still, one truth remained evident: healing takes time.

“The word for today is calm,” one volunteer reflected. Another offered “comfort.” Another, “caring.” And perhaps most fitting of all: “steadfast compassion.”

These words capture not just what was given, but what is still needed.

Moving Forward, Together
As the day came to a close, something shifted. The tears did not disappear, but they softened. In their place, small smiles began to return. Not because the pain was gone, but because the community had taken its first steps toward healing together.

“All will be well with time,” one handler said.

Time, compassion, and connection—these are the threads that will carry this community forward.

And in the memory of Jayceon DeLuna, may they also serve as a reminder: to look out for one another, to speak up, to reach out, and to never underestimate the power of simply being there.

The halls of Prairie View Grade School in Elgin, IL, are filled with heavy hearts following a devastating car accident that has deeply impacted staff, students, and families alike. Two sisters, both dedicated educators at the school, were involved in the crash. One, a beloved third-grade teacher, remains hospitalized with injuries. The other, a special education teacher, tragically lost her life.

The loss of Maggie Espinosa has left an immeasurable void in the school community.

“With unimaginable heartbreak, we share that Maggie Espinosa was taken from us far too soon. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and a truly beautiful soul who touched so many lives with her kindness, strength, and warmth. She was also a beloved teacher who taught so many of our children here in Batavia.”

“She leaves behind her husband, Jose Espinosa, and their five children, 10, 8, 4, and 2-year-old twins, who will now grow up without their mother’s love and presence.”

Maggie was more than an educator—she was a steady, compassionate presence for students who needed her most. Through her work in special education, she supported children across grades 3, 4, and 5, creating a space where they felt seen, encouraged, and valued.

Supporting Students Through Grief
In the wake of this tragedy, Sarah Nolan has mobilized support for both staff and students as they begin to process this loss. The impact has been especially profound among upper elementary students who worked closely with Maggie, as well as third graders coping with the injury of their own teacher.

For many children, grief is confusing and difficult to express. Familiar routines feel different, and the absence of a trusted adult can be deeply unsettling. That’s why the school has focused on providing spaces where students can talk, reflect, and simply be supported.

Comfort in Quiet Moments
Amid the sadness, small moments of comfort have made a difference. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, IL), Eunice, and Samson (Zion - Marengo,IL) and  have been present, offering calm companionship to students and staff navigating overwhelming emotions.

One handler reflected on the experience of being in Maggie’s classroom:

“I can tell you she was a very well-loved teacher and a young mom of five children… It was heartbreaking to see her things and jacket where she left them, all her lessons, encouraging signs and projects—and most of all, her heartbroken co-teacher who shared the room with her.”

Holding On to What Matters
Tragedy has a way of bringing into focus what matters most—connection, compassion, and community. At Prairie View, those bonds are evident in the way staff are supporting one another, students are being gently guided through grief, and a beloved teacher’s legacy is being honored.

Though Maggie Espinosa is no longer physically present, the impact she made—in her classroom, in her students, and in her own family—will continue to be felt for years to come.

As this community mourns, it also comes together—leaning on one another, remembering, and holding space for healing.

In the early hours of a Wednesday morning, an ordinary day was shattered by an unthinkable tragedy. A crash near the intersection of Highway 67 and McMahon Road in Oconomowoc, WI, claimed the life of 10-year-old Jack Oudenhoven, a fourth-grade student whose presence had touched classmates, teachers, and his entire school community.

In an instant, hallways once filled with laughter were overcome with grief. Students struggled to understand the loss of a friend. Teachers faced the impossible task of guiding young hearts through sorrow while carrying their own. Families, staff, and first responders were left grappling with the weight of a moment that would never be forgotten.

And yet, in the midst of heartbreak, something remarkable began to emerge—strength, resilience, and a community coming together to begin the slow process of healing.

A Community in Mourning
 
Jack was more than a name in a report. He was a fourth grader, a friend, a classmate, and a beloved son. Described as “smart, well-liked, and athletic,” he left an imprint on everyone who knew him. Even in loss, his family chose generosity—honoring his life through the gift of organ donation.
 
Grief swept through classrooms, hallways, and homes. For many students and staff, this was their first experience with such a profound tragedy. Emotions were raw, and the need for comfort was immediate.

The Quiet Power of Presence
 
Within 24 hours, five LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams arrived: Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL), Mary and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatin, IL). Over two days, they became a source of peace in a place filled with heartbreak.
 
“The delight on the students’ faces was evident when we saw them today… The transition from the sadness that they were feeling into their excitement in being able to be with the dogs was evident. It truly was a healing time.”
 
In classrooms filled with grief, small moments of light began to break through.

Strength on the Front Lines
 
“My words are ‘strength’ and ‘resilience’ for those 4th grade teachers on the front line. I watched them be present and strong for the kids… then crumble in tears… then come right back to the kids like warriors.”
 
They carried the weight of their students’ grief while managing their own.

Moments of Healing
 
Two of Jack’s close friends arrived in tears. After spending time with Shadrach, they began to open up, sharing memories and stories.
 
Another moment came from a younger student, who simply said: “Jesus has Jack now.”

Transformational Impact
 
“Transformational.”
 
When the teams arrived, emotions were overwhelming. As the day progressed, something shifted. Teachers rallied. Students smiled.

Moving Forward Together
 
No act can undo the loss of a young life. But in the days following tragedy, this community demonstrated what it means to come together—to support, to grieve, and to begin healing.
 
In the midst of sorrow, there was strength.
In the face of heartbreak, there was resilience.
And in the smallest moments of connection, there was hope.

The Midwestern States Crime Prevention Conference, presented by the Ohio Crime Prevention Association, brought together law enforcement professionals and community partners focused on one shared goal: building safer communities.

Among the many impactful sessions, one stood out for its unique blend of compassion and real-world application:

Comfort Dogs – Serving Together
Led by Nancy Borders, Top Dog, Trinity, Toledo, OH, and Linda Lewis, the session highlighted how LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are actively supporting officer wellness, crisis response, and community care while offering practical ways agencies can begin partnerships immediately.

Practical Support That Meets Real Needs
The presentation focused on simple, actionable ways Comfort Dog teams can integrate into existing systems of care.

From roll calls to crisis scenes, Comfort Dogs are already making an impact in:

Officer Wellness
Regular visits—before and after shifts, during wellness days, and following critical incidents—help officers decompress and process stress in healthy ways.

“Comfort Dogs give officers a moment to breathe… and something positive to take home to their families.”

Dispatch & First Responders
911 dispatchers and first responders, often overlooked in wellness efforts, benefit from brief but meaningful interactions that help reset during high-pressure shifts.

Schools
By building relationships before a crisis, Comfort Dogs help create environments where students and staff feel safe, open, and connected.

Crisis Response
From school tragedies to community loss, Comfort Dogs provide a calming presence in moments of shock, grief, and uncertainty—helping people process what words often cannot.

Victim Support
Whether in interviews, courtrooms, or waiting rooms, Comfort Dogs create a safe, comforting space for individuals experiencing trauma.

A Message That Resonated
The impact of the session deepened when a retired police officer and military veteran shared personal insight into the realities of stress and trauma in law enforcement.

His message was clear:
even those trained to be strong and composed need space to process—and permission to do so.

“Even strong, reserved officers need an outlet for stress and trauma… and Comfort Dogs help open that door.”

Impact Beyond the Breakout Session
The influence of the Comfort Dog teams extended far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the conference:

• Attendees returned again and again to spend time with the dogs
• Conversations shifted from casual to deeply personal
• Barriers came down—quickly and naturally
  
  

Some attendees simply sat on the floor beside a dog, moving from one to another, taking in moments of peace during a busy conference.

“It was hard to tell who enjoyed it more—the attendees or the dogs.”

Handlers also noted meaningful moments:

• One attendee later looked up the Bible verses connected to the dogs’ names
• Others were surprised to learn this support was available in their own communities
• Many openly shared stories of stress, loss, and resilience

A Shift in Perspective
For some team members, the conference itself was eye-opening.

What initially seemed like an unexpected venue—a crime prevention conference—quickly revealed a deeper truth:

“Now I understand… prevention isn’t just about stopping crime. It’s about caring for people.”

By simply being present, the Comfort Dog teams helped:

• Build awareness of the ministry
• Form new community and law enforcement connections
• Demonstrate how emotional support plays a role in prevention

Moving Forward Together

The response from attendees confirmed something powerful:

Comfort Dogs are more than a moment of comfort—they are a bridge.

A bridge between:

• Stress and relief
• Isolation and connection
• Crisis and healing 

As these partnerships continue to grow, Comfort Dog teams will play an increasingly vital role in supporting both those who serve—and the communities they protect. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the support of conference leadership, including a letter of appreciation from Dan Katt, Conference Co-Chair.  CLICK HERE to read the letter.

Five LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams—Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, IL), Rejoice (St. Paul - Janesville, WI), and Eunice (LCC Staff)—along with their ministry partners, gathered at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, IL last Tuesday. They came to offer comfort and support to the family of Commander Edward J. Landers.

Ed was a devoted family man and faithful member of Immanuel. Answering a calling to serve, he became a Navy pilot and dedicated 20 years to his country. After retiring from the military, Ed went on to author several books and continued his passion for flying as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, piloting international flights aboard a Boeing 747.

His wife, Barb Landers—formerly a handler for Levi Comfort Dog—is planning to play an active role in welcoming the next LCC K-9 Comfort Dog to Immanuel.

Through time spent with the dogs, handlers, and ministry partners, family and friends of Commander Landers were able to share heartfelt stories of his life, career, and adventures. These moments brought smiles, comfort, and cherished memories.

It was a true honor to provide support to the family of a man who gave so much in service to his country and others.

Grief settled heavily over Sterling Public School in Nebraska after the tragic loss of Chloe Jane Paulson, a 16-year-old sophomore whose life was cut short in a car accident on March 23, 2026. Chloe was a vibrant and deeply involved student. She earned honor roll recognition and participated in volleyball, basketball, speech, band, choir, and cheerleading—leaving her mark on nearly every corner of school life.

Her absence is deeply felt by students, staff, and especially her family, including her two younger brothers in 8th grade and 3rd grade, who share the same school building and now navigate unimaginable loss within its walls.

In response, an Emergency Site Visit (ESV) was requested by Felicia Martin, Director of Health Services. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Glory (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE) and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE), arrived ready to offer presence, compassion, and a quiet kind of healing that words often cannot provide.

“When we get an ESV request, we usually have to quickly change our whole day. That happened this time too—it felt like we were meant to be there,” one handler shared.

Though it was their first time in the Sterling community, a sense of familiarity met them at the door. “When we walked into the school and saw counselors we already knew—we had worked with most of them from another ESV a few months back—it felt comforting right away.”

From the youngest students to staff and crisis counselors, the weight of Chloe’s loss was unmistakable. “From the kindergartners to the 8th graders to the staff and Crisis Response Team counselors, it was evident from the moment we arrived that Chloe’s death had a profound impact.”

In such a small school—where the sophomore class includes just 17 students—connections run deep. Everyone knew Chloe. Everyone felt the loss.

Throughout the day, students processed their grief in different ways. Some gathered in the library, exhausted after sleepless nights. Others shared stories, tears, or simply sat in silence. Phinehas moved gently among them, offering quiet companionship.

“We never know how the day will go,” a handler reflected. “Some students were in the library resting because they hadn’t slept, and Phinehas quietly stayed with them, just being there. Others shared memories of Chloe, while some sat, cried, and petted the dogs. Everyone was thankful we came.”

One powerful moment unfolded in that same library. As the team entered, a librarian encouraged a student to sit with the comfort dog, Glory. The student hesitated only briefly before sitting down. Glory instinctively curled up, resting her head in the student’s lap.

No words were spoken.

The student began to cry.

Later that afternoon, she returned. This time, she shared that Chloe had been her best friend since first grade. In that quiet space, with Glory beside her, she found the ability to speak her grief aloud.

“I feel our presence helped give Ellen (and others we saw) some peace in the moment,” the handler said.
Another interaction offered a different kind of insight. An eighth-grade student lingered nearby, asking thoughtful questions about what comfort dogs do and how they help.

“I asked her how she felt when she saw Phinehas,” the handler recalled. “She said it made her happy and want to snuggle him. I told her—that’s comfort.”

Their conversation deepened. The student asked if it was difficult to be around so many people who are hurting.

“That made me pause,” the handler shared. “She’s only in eighth grade. I told her yes, sometimes it is hard to see people hurting, especially when they’ve lost someone. But just being there in that moment can help them feel a little less alone.”

They sat together for about 20 minutes, talking quietly.

“At the end, I asked her name. She smiled and said, ‘Faith.’ In that moment, it felt like a little Godwink just for us.”

Moments like these—simple, human, deeply meaningful—are where healing begins. Not in fixing the pain, but in sharing it. In sitting together. In remembering. In allowing space for both tears and small glimpses of comfort.

As the Sterling community continues to grieve, they do so side by side—students, staff, families, and friends holding each other up through heartbreak. The presence of the comfort dogs did not erase the pain, but it softened the edges, offering connection in a time of overwhelming loss.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Chloe’s family, her brothers, her friends, and the entire Sterling Public School community. In the midst of sorrow, their closeness—and their care for one another—shines through.