Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department and community gathered on June 21, 2022, for the funeral of Sheriff Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard who was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 12.  Sheriff Deputy First Class Hilliard, who would have turned 42 years old on Wednesday, had a wife and three children. He was a 16-year veteran law enforcement officer.

LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland) and her law enforcmenet handler Patrick, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Solomon (King of Glory - Williamsburg, Virginia) and their handlers, shared God’s love and comfort with law enforcement, their families and other first responders at the funeral for Sheriff Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Project Thank A Cop.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were honored to be present this day as they saw thousands of people all working together to create an amazing hero's send off for Officer Hilliard's family and friends.  As one of the handlers reflected on this experience, she noticed the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were approached by officers, friends and family who had smiles on their faces. It felt like their time with the dogs afforded them a moment of joy and peace and allowed them to forget for a moment the unjustness of why they were all gathered that day. God was there- making every one of one mind, one body, laboring for His child and that child's loved ones, so that they would know- everyone there would know- that He loves us more deeply than we can comprehend.

Patrick, an LCC K-9 Police Ministry Handler and former officer reflected, how Kezia, Amos and Solomon Comfort Dogs were a small but significant part of a bigger hedge of protection and compassion that officers, firemen, EMT and community volunteers showed Deputy Hiliard’s family.  What struck him the most, was one officer who never touched the dogs but was walking past the Comfort Dogs and without losing stride looked down at the dogs and said, ‘Thank you for being here.’ 

Patrick saw how the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers' presence meant so much to him. Grief-stricken police wives and children loved on the dogs that helped all of them get through the day. The Comfort Dog team had prayed at the beginning of the day that God would let the light of Jesus shine through the eyes of those dogs and handlers, and He clearly made that happen.

A Heart of Mercy and Compassion was given for law enforcement, family and friends to share messages of love, hope and prayer. 

Please pray for the heartbroken police officers and their families as they say continue to grieve Sheriff Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard loss. 

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington) with retired police officer and current police ministry handler William, and other members of the Redeemer, Spokane, Ministry team were present at the 34th Annual Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony and the candlelight vigil that honored officers and K9s who had lost their lives in the last year while serving.

An engraved memorial with the names of all Washington state officers who have died in the line of duty is located in Spokane, Washington. It was a beautiful and moving event to see the community come together to show their respect for these fallen officers and their families.

Police Ministry Dog Isaac was a comforting and loving presence for the family members of some of the fallen officers honored that day. A woman who attended the memorial service shared how she saw Isaac and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog team interacting with the officers and families before the service and how Isaac’s presence brought such calmness to her on that day. During the ceremony, when they read the fallen officers’ names and their families spoke, she would look for Isaac. Once she saw him, it gave her comfort. At the end of the ceremony, she was able to spend some time with Isaac. She was grateful to have that moment with him and his gentle presence.

Isaac also spent time with many local officers who have bonded with him through their relationship with retired police officer and LCC K-9 Police Ministry handler William.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Deputy Eric Bykowski, who was 46 at the time of his passing. Deputy Bykowski served the citizens of DuPage County for more than 20 years.

LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Candace (LCC Staff), Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), and Eve (St. John’s - Lombard, Illinois) with their LCC K-9 Police Ministry handlers Ken, James, and Michael, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) and her handlers were there to support and share the compassion of Jesus with Deputy Bykowski's colleagues, friends, and his family. LCC K-9 Police Ministry Coordinator Terri Albright was also present but was serving with Dupage County Sherriff's Department as Deputy Eric Bykowski was her colleague of 20 years.

Deputy Bykowski's wife, two children, and his parents were the focus of the LCC K-9 Ministry teams service as they shared the quiet and calming presence of the comfort dogs present. The handlers and ministry partners were at Deputy Bykowski's visitation and funeral to see, listen, love, and comfort the grieving.

Family members of Deputy Eric Bykowski were given  Hearts of Mercy and Compassion that were signed by those who knew and loved him. The family was also given a Mini Stuffed LCC K-9 Comfort Dog as another form of comfort when needed.

We pray for the hurting family and colleagues of Deputy Eric Bykowski.