A Gentle Presence in Grief: Supporting Milwaukee’s Grieving Officers

A Heartbreaking Loss in the Line of Duty

On June 26, Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder and his partner, Officer Christopher McCray, were ambushed while responding to a report of gunfire. Tragically, Officer Corder succumbed to his injuries three days later, on June 29. He became the sixth Milwaukee Police Department (WI) officer lost in the line of duty since 2018.

LCC K-9 Ministries Respond with Presence and Compassion

In the days following Officer Corder’s death, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog, Police, and Kare 9 Military ministries dedicated handlers attended both department debriefings and the officer’s funeral to offer comfort, support, and a calming presence.

Among those who served were:

• Ken Manthey with LCC K-9 Police Ministry Comfort Dog Candace (LCC Staff)
• Ann and Brad Kerhin, and K-9 Police Ministry handler James Enters with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI)
  
• Tom Brengel with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gethsemane (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois)
• Jeff Schulman with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois)
• Tom and Diane Moore with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin)

These dedicated handlers and their dogs were present at multiple Milwaukee Police Department districts and at the funeral itself, offering solace to grieving officers and family members.

A Ministry of Healing and Hope

For many involved, the experience was deeply personal. One handler reflected:

“This was a full circle experience for me. In 2019, my coworker and close friend was killed on the job. I vividly remember the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs at his service and the comfort they brought me. Now, I had the privilege to offer that same comfort to others.”

Another handler noted the emotional time spent with the family of Officer Jervice, another Milwaukee officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2023.

A Message of Comfort
Pastor Hines, who officiated the funeral service, titled his sermon "The God of Comfort." He reminded attendees that, even in the darkest moments, God remains close, sharing many familiar verses of hope and strength drawn from Scripture. A poignant passage shared during the service was Matthew 25:31–40, which speaks of compassion and service to others:

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Pastor Hines emphasized that Officer Corder lived out that very calling, bravely entering dangerous situations to help and protect those in need.

Thank You for Your Prayers and Support
Lutheran Church Charities extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continues to support the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry with prayers and encouragement. It is through that support that the ministry is able to be present for those facing pain, grief, and unimaginable loss.

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