Hurts still linger a year after two fires and flash flooding ravaged the mountain community of Ruidoso, New Mexico.

“Today, emotions are all over the map,” said Melissa Moody, a Village of Ruidoso employee who works with the town’s Parks and Recreation Department. “Some are still shellshocked and struggling. Some are ready to move on. Some accept the consequences of living here. But all of us are coming together to be a stronger community.”

On Tuesday, Ruidoso paused to remember, reflect, and celebrate resilience a year after the 2024 natural disasters that took the lives of two people, destroyed 1,400 homes, and burned more than 25,000 acres. Hundreds of people from the community came to the town’s Wingfield Park for an event with the theme “United By Loss, Defined By Grit.”

Lutheran Church Charities was on hand to bring HOPE TO THE HURTING with the handlers of K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma) and K-9 Comfort Dog Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, Texas). The teams worked in conjunction with Rev. Jason Rust of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Ruidoso and nine congregation members trained in Spiritual First Aid™.

The group also brought Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and crosses for the community to sign at the gathering. It marked the third visit by LCC staff and volunteers since the disaster — with previous trips focused on Disaster Response cleanup and Spiritual First Aid training.

“LCC is reaffirming its commitment to long-term care, healing, and hope for the people of Ruidoso,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “In the midst of despair and loss, we want this community to find the comfort, strength, and hope need for healing. LCC will continue to bring prayer, Scripture, and resources for Ruidoso and Shepherd of the Hills.

The day the South Fork Fire broke out, Melissa Moody didn’t think much of it. Fires happen in the New Mexico mountains from time to time.

When her boss called and told her to join the Emergency Operations Center, she delayed. She had to finish doing payroll.

Her boss called again, ordering her to the EOC, which had to evacuate three times as the wildfire spread.

In the days and weeks that followed, Moody operated Ruidoso’s mobile kitchen, feeding dozens of families, then a few hundred, and eventually 800 people three meals a day. Seven days a week for nearly a month.

“Those weeks are a blur,” Moody said while preparing for the remembrance event. “I didn’t see my family for three weeks.”

Ruidoso remembers, though.

As K-9 Comfort Dog teams for Persis and Elijah walked downtown the morning before the community event, shopkeepers and residents reflected on the fear and anxiety they felt during mandatory evacuations, subsequent flooding after the fires, and the devastation that was left behind. The mountains around the town still show treeless burn scars of where they fire raged.

“Encouragement is needed here.”

“Thank you for coming.”

“We’re glad you came.”

T-shirt vendors. Bar owners. Restaurant wait staff. All expressed a gratitude that people outside the community care and want to help.

Back at Wingfield Park, Moody listens as Rev. Singer shares a message of hope and spiritual encouragement with the community.

As a Village of Ruidoso admin who is back to selling fishing permits for the Parks & Rec Department, she sees something else.

“We’re going to be stronger because of this,” she said, looking over the crowd. “People still need help. They need support with finances and the essentials. But now they know that people care — and help is available. Your group is a big part of that.”

In the small town of Chatham, Illinois, healing continues after an unthinkable tragedy struck on April 28, when a vehicle crashed into the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp. The devastating incident claimed the lives of five young children, shaking the entire community to its core—from families and children to educators, first responders, and local residents.

In the aftermath, Lutheran Church Charities responded swiftly, sending teams from its K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to provide solace, presence, and the comfort of Christ during a time of overwhelming grief.

Last week, as the children of YNOT Camp returned for the first time to the building where the tragedy occurred, the Comfort Dog teams were there once again—ready to support, listen, and simply be present.

A Healing Return to YNOT
Roughly 70 children were welcomed back with wagging tails and open arms. Handlers and Comfort Dogs arrived on-site Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 and 12, between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m., to coincide with afternoon programming. This visit was specifically requested by Alison Loftus of YNOT Outdoors, recognizing the potential emotional difficulty for the children revisiting the site of the traumatic event.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Dinah (Trinity - Auburn, Illinois), Michael (LCC Staff), Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri), Tabby (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Britta (LCC Staff) were accompanied by a team of compassionate handlers.

Roxy, a handler reflected: “Today’s visit was well received. The children had a full day of off-site activities, and when they returned, the Comfort Dogs were waiting. The resilience of these children is amazing.” Roxy shared that Dinah Comfort Dog was exhausted from all the attention but kept her tail wagging the entire time. “Some children even did a survey to find which dog had the softest ears,” she added with a smile.

Many children shared stories about their own pets, asked questions about the dogs, and collected the special “calling cards” each Comfort Dog carries. One child even asked for an extra card for her sister, who couldn't attend.

“These children are resilient,” said another volunteer. “They’re coping, talking, laughing, and connecting. It’s humbling to be a part of their healing process.”

A Community Embraced
For Chatham, the return of the LCC Comfort Dogs was a symbol of continued presence, love, and faith. The teams didn’t just show up—they remembered, they listened, and they returned when it mattered most.

As the children of YNOT Outdoors slowly step back into routines shaped by both joy and sorrow, they are surrounded by a community—and by four-legged friends—who remind them they are not alone.

A Dream Fulfilled, A Life Sacrificed
All Krystal Rivera ever wanted was to be a police officer. That dream came true in 2021 when she was sworn into the Chicago Police Department. Officer Rivera quickly became a beloved presence in the 6th District, known for her dedication, her heart, and her deep love for her 10-year-old daughter, Bella.

On June 5, 2025, Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty during a foot pursuit in Chatham. She had served with distinction for four years. Her tragic death sent waves of sorrow through her fellow officers, her family, and the wider community she served so faithfully.

A Community in Mourning, United in Prayer
Hundreds gathered outside the Gresham District police station on Wednesday, June 11, for a solemn prayer vigil to honor Officer Rivera’s memory. Friends, family, and community members stood side-by-side with dozens of Chicago police officers—some in uniform, others wearing shirts bearing Rivera’s image. CPD Chaplain Rev. Kimberly Lewis-Davis encouraged all present to lean into their faith for healing and strength.

A Ministry of Presence: LCC Offers Support and Hope 
Among the mourners was Lutheran Church Charities, whose compassionate presence brought hope and spiritual care to both officers and grieving family members. Responding to a request from the Chicago Police Department, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams attended roll call for the officers of the 6th District and stood with the community at the vigil.

Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President and CEO, was present alongside dedicated teams that included LCC Comfort Dogs Gethsemane & Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake - IL), Michael (LCC Staff), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff), each accompanied by their trained handlers.

Also in attendance was Tim Laabs, Project Manager for Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, who helped facilitate the meaningful tribute with the Heart and Cross memorials. Together, this team provided comfort through their calm presence, empathetic conversations, and unwavering support, reminding all who gathered that they were not alone in their grief.

One of the most profound moments came from young Bella, Officer Rivera's daughter. Initially hesitant to join others, she lit up when she saw the dogs. Jeanette, one of the handlers, shared that Bella—still reeling from celebrating her birthday just days after her mother’s passing—found a moment of joy as she bonded with Gethsemane. “She is hurting and has a long road ahead,” Jeanette said, “but she smiled and enjoyed the moment. One of the officers stated that the dogs made all the difference today for Bella. God is good!”

Handlers stayed close to the family, walking with them through grief. Jenni shared, “I was surprised at the level of access we had to Krystal’s daughter. She lit up when she met our sweet dogs. That connection—that was God.” She also spoke with Officer Rivera’s friends and coworkers, recognizing the enduring support system that would surround Bella.

Hearts of Mercy, Messages of Love
At the heart of the vigil—both literally and figuratively—stood the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. Tim Laabs brought one heart and cross for public messages and another to be gifted to Officer Rivera’s family.
Messages like “I will forever miss your good mornings and talking about our girls,” and “Powerpuffs for life” reflected the deep affection and camaraderie Rivera inspired. Other notes offered encouragement: “The pain you feel is all the love you poured into Krystal,” and “May God lift you.”

The second heart, passed among Rivera’s fellow officers, bore signatures and sentiments like “We love you and we will always miss you!” and “Great officer—and a BETTER friend.” When complete, the heart was presented to the family by CPD Commander Michael Tate and LCC President Chris Singer. “You are in our hearts and prayers as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful daughter, mom, and officer,” Singer said.

Answering the Call to Bring Hope for the Hurting
Each handler present shared how divine timing and meaningful conversations unfolded throughout the day. Danielle reflected, “It isn’t always about the experiences you expect—it’s the connections that happen when you show up.” Valerie added, “To be there to love on those who knew and loved Officer Rivera was a blessing.”

Jim, another handler, summed it up best:
“What I experienced yesterday was one of God’s miracles. The love, compassion, and mercy displayed by everyone present could not have occurred without divine intervention. The Comfort Dogs brought mercy. The officers brought love. And the community brought honor. It was a beautiful thing to behold.”

In the face of unspeakable grief, the ministry of Lutheran Church Charities offered a tangible expression of God's comfort. Through Comfort Dogs, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and the quiet faith of those present, they helped carry a community through a moment of heartbreak—reminding all that love, indeed, still lives.

Support the ongoing ministry of Lutheran Church Charities as we bring hope and healing to first responders, families, and communities in crisis. Together, we can be a light in the darkest moments.

Judy Devlin believes in the value of Lutheran Church Charities’ K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. She’s seen LCC handlers and golden retrievers bring comfort and encouragement in schools and communities in the most tragic of circumstances.

Originally from Winnetka, Illinois, she recalls LCC’s outreach to neighboring Highland Park after the July 4 parade shooting in 2022.

“When something that horrific happens, it touches everyone,” she said. “LCC and the comfort dogs bless everyone — and I’ll do anything I can to support them.”

Judy was among eight volunteers from across the Northern Illinois District — plus some non-Lutherans — who worked with LCC staff to pack swag bags for its biggest event of the year, the 2025 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry National Conference, scheduled for mid-July.

The conference will attract more than 500 K-9 handlers, ministry partners, and churches in process for an LCC comfort dog for inspiration, training, and fellowship. This week’s packing party helps LCC get the bags for conference attendees ready well in advance.

Each bag contains the conference t-shirt, a journal, and other LCC K-9 Comfort Dog items as a thank you for attending the gathering.

Deb Mucha of Northbrook, Illinois, who has worked with Therapy Dogs International in the past, wanted to volunteer as a shirt folder and packer because she wants the K-9 handlers to have a meaningful experience.

“I helped at the last conference and saw how much inspiration and joy the handlers get from one another and LCC,” she said. “I just want to support them so they can help bring comfort to people where they live.”

As the conference approaches, the dedication of volunteers like Judy and Deb reflects the heart of the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry — service rooted in compassion, faith, and community. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that every attendee feels welcomed, valued, and equipped to continue the ministry’s mission of bringing peace and presence in times of need. Whether through a wagging tail or a packed swag bag, every act of support helps carry comfort where it’s needed most.

Want to make a difference behind the scenes?
Whether you have a heart for helping, time to give, or specific skills to share, there are many ways you can serve. Explore volunteer opportunities and help further LCC’s mission of bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those who need it most.

Check out LCC Volunteer Opportunities and get involved today!

One year after the devastating South Fork Fire and flash floods that swept through Ruidoso, New Mexico, destroying over 1,400 homes and businesses, the community is preparing to gather in remembrance—and in strength.

As part of this special remembrance, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) will return to Ruidoso to stand in solidarity with a community they first served in 2024, reaffirming their commitment to long-term care, healing, and hope. LCC is honored to participate in the event with LCC Community Care Event.

"South Fork 2024 — United by Loss, Defined by Grit”
Tuesday, June 17 | 5:30–8:00 p.m. | Winfield Park, 300 Center St., Ruidoso, NM

This community-led remembrance event is a time to:

1. Lament the losses of homes, land, and livelihood
2. Honor the courageous efforts of neighbors helping neighbors
3. Celebrate resilience, unity, and the journey toward healing
   
   

Lutheran Church Charities will participate in the event, bringing all four of its core ministries:

1. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry with Comfort Dogs Elijah  (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, Texas) and Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma)
   
2. Disaster Response
3. Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
4. Human Care

LCC Care Teams will be on-site to offer emotional and spiritual support as the community reflects on its past and looks ahead with hope.

A Year Ago: LCC’s Immediate Response
In the aftermath of the disaster, LCC deployed teams to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, offering both practical assistance and emotional support. Their response included:

1. Chainsaw relief operations, removing fallen and hazardous trees from properties
   
2. Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training, helping local volunteers learn safe and effective disaster response techniques
3. Spiritual and emotional care, providing comfort rooted in the hope of Christ
   
   

That initial deployment was followed by a second, six-day mission in October, where LCC expanded their support with advanced training, additional fieldwork, and the introduction of Spiritual First Aid™, a biblically grounded model for addressing trauma and grief.

“Pastor Jason Rust of Shepherd of the Hills reached out and said, ‘We want to help our neighbors—but we don’t know how,’” recalled Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President and CEO. “We came to stand with them, train them, and remind them that healing is possible through Christ. And now, we return to remind them they are not forgotten.”

You Can Help Us Keep Showing UpL
CC’s mission is long-term. Our return to Ruidoso is just one example of how we continue to support communities long after headlines fade.

Donate today to help LCC bring ongoing relief, care, and Christ-centered hope to those still rebuilding.
Because remembering means returning—and healing happens when we walk together.

In the quiet of a Friday evening, the Baldwin Park, CA, community gathered with heavy hearts to remember a beloved public servant. Officer Samuel Riveros—a devoted husband, father, and dedicated member of the Baldwin Park Police Department—was honored at a solemn vigil on June 6, just days after his End of Watch on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Officer Riveros’s passing has left a profound void in the Baldwin Park Police Department and in the lives of those who knew and loved him. In response to the collective grief, the community was joined by a unique team of comfort and compassion: the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

A Gentle Touch in a Time of Pain
The vigil became more than just a tribute—it became a moment of healing. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), and Salome (Faith Community - Las Vegas, Nevada), alongside their trained handlers offered silent support through warm eyes, soft fur, and a calming presence. The team helped create a space where officers, family members, and friends could begin to release the sorrow and shock that accompanies the loss of one of their own.

James Casner, the Heart of Mercy & Compassion ministry representative and point person for the visit, reflected, “It never ceases to amaze me the tremendous opportunity we have to bond with our fellow human beings when we are out with our Comfort Dogs. We can help carry the burden of others… with our dogs as a bridge to sharing, listening, or sitting in silence.”

Support Beyond the Frontlines
The ministry’s outreach extended beyond the vigil. The team also visited the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner—often an overlooked group of first responders who bear the weight of tragedy behind closed doors. Both shifts of staff at the coroner’s office welcomed the time to simply sit, talk, and decompress with the dogs. Smiles surfaced. Shoulders eased. And, for a moment, healing began.

One particularly moving moment came with a lieutenant from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Investigators. “Her team deals with so much,” a handler shared. “She really needed the time to sit with the dogs and love on them and be loved in return.” The lieutenant had recently lost her own dog, making the visit all the more meaningful.

A Community United in Grief and Grace
In tragedy, Baldwin Park found a moment of peace through the quiet empathy of Comfort Dogs. Their presence reminded everyone—from uniformed officers to grieving citizens—that no one walks through grief alone.

LCC was blessed to have six affiliates from six states at the Replacement Handler Training last weekend:
 
·       Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV
·       Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN
·       Island Lutheran, Hilton Head, SC
·       Redeemer, Spokane Valley, WA
·       Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI
·       St. Paul, Fort Worth, TX
 
LCC is happy to welcome these wonderful individuals who have been called to go out and serve in their communities and share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those hurting and in need.  
These new and dedicated volunteers spent a lot of time learning new handling skills and building their knowledge about the ministry. Each handler worked with either their affiliate’s dog or with a LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in training. The new handlers also spent time praying together and becoming a family in Christ. 
 
We are excited to introduce the following new handlers who are now part of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry:

• Laurie Anderson
  St. Paul, Fort Worth, TX – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Olive
• June Brault 
  Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Caleb
• Andrew Ebert
  Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria
• Melanie Ebert
  Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria
• Becky Ehler
  Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Salome
• Andrew Chaplin
  Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Salome
• Linda Neumann
  Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria
• Bob Sanders
  Redeemer, Spokane, WA – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac
• Jill Welsh
  Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Caleb
• Kevin Williams
  ​Island, Hilton Head, SC – Zoara Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog 

 
Additionally, Lutheran Church Charities is honored to welcome United States Air Force veteran Kevin Williams to the LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry.

We give thanks for each of these new handlers and pray for their continued strength and faith as they go out to share God’s love and comfort through this special ministry.

When the leaders at Lord Of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, decided to pursue a second Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog, they knew it would be nearly a 2-year wait to meet their new canine. 

Eight days after that meeting, Gethsemane was born: July 6, 2023. 

On Sunday, after nearly two years of training, Gethsemane Comfort Dog officially joined Lord Of Glory, commissioned to bring her furry friendliness to the church’s ministry work and to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ. She is ready to share compassion and comfort to those who are hurting, lonely, or in need of a little tail-wagging encouragement.

Twelve other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from three states traveled to celebrate the beautiful occasion, including Gethsemane’s Lord Of Glory ministry partner Tobias Comfort Dog. 

“I am looking forward to serving alongside so many of the teams that joined us to celebrate this special moment in my story,” Team Gethsemane shared on her Facebook account. “Thank you to everyone who supported me to get to this day.”

On hand to join the celebration were:

Abednego Comfort Dog, Immanuel Lutheran Crystal Lake, IL
Caleb Comfort Dog, Immanuel Lutheran Valparaiso, IN
Charity Comfort Dog, Brookfield Lutheran Brookfield, WI
Grace Comfort Dog, LCC Staff
Hannah Comfort Dog, LCC Staff
Julia Comfort Dog, King Of Glory Lutheran Elgin, IL
Mary Comfort Dog, St. Paul Lutheran Janesville, WI
Myra Comfort Dog, St. Andrews Lutheran Park Ridge, IL
Rejoice Comfort Dog, St. Paul Lutheran Janesville, WI
Samson Comfort Dog, Zion Lutheran Marengo, IL
Shadrach Comfort Dog, Prince Of Peace Lutheran Palatine, IL
Tobias Comfort Dog, Lord Of Glory Grayslake, IL
 
“It was the day we have looked forward to for many months,” said Nichole Todd, top dog for Team Gethsemane. “We can’t wait to see how God works through Gethsemane to bring comfort and connection in our community — and wherever we are called to serve.”

Last week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, LCC Human Care staff continued to offer care for those impacted by the devastating apartment fire by joining the Multi-Agency Resource Center (aka MARC) hosted by the Red Cross of Wisconsin. This gathering allowed the survivors to connect with organizations offering critical resources and guidance for recovery and healing.

LCC's team provided tangible aid as well as emotional and spiritual care through Spiritual First Aid™. Survivors opened up about their trauma and shared how they were overwhelmed by the magnitude of their loss. In one moment, a survivor began showing signs of a panic attack. SFA-trained LCC Care Team members used breathing and grounding techniques to help the person find a calmer state of mind.

​Red Cross of Wisconsin remembered Lutheran Church Charities bringing Hearts of Mercy & Compassion after the Waukesha Christmas Parade Attack in November 2021 and asked for LCC to bring them again.

At the Milwaukee event, attendees signed Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, a physical and spiritual symbol of hope and care that will be presented to the families who lost loved ones in the tragic fire. 

As one woman approached the heart, she broke down in uncontrollable tears. Through her sobs, she shared that her sister was one of the victims, and that she would be taking the heart home to honor her memory.

She explained that her family was planning a small celebration of her sister’s life. The heart, she said, will be placed at the center of their table as a symbol of the care and compassion their community has shown during this difficult time. Though still visibly shaken, she expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and kindness surrounding her family.

The LCC Care Team will continue to connect survivors to neighboring congregation Hope Lutheran Church, where Pastor Dennis Harmon will open the church for a Community Care Event to provide food, basic need items, and ongoing grief support.