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.

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

LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Abraham (Trinity - Hicksville, New York) with Police Ministry Handler George, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Coordinator T. Albright, and handler Donna were invited by Project Thank A Cop to honor, love, and support the grieving New York Police Officers, their families, and community at Officer Jason Rivera’s funeral last week. Officer Rivera was posthumously promoted by the NY Police Commissioner to Detective. Officer Rivera and his partner Officer Mora were tragically killed two weeks ago.

On Wednesday, February 2, the NYPD and community will gather for the funeral of Officer Wilbert Mora. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Abraham and his LCC Police Ministry Handlers George T. and John P. will share God’s love and comfort at the funeral for Officer Wilbert Mora. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Abraham and his Police Ministry Handlers were invited by Project Thank A Cop to be there for the grieving officers.

Please pray for the heartbroken police officers and their families as they continue to grieve Officers Rivera and Officer Mora’s loss.  

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

Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, was honored to accept a generous donation from Ray Cowin raised during the 2nd Annual Andrew Whowell Memorial Golf Outing at Villa Olivia Golf Course, Bartlett, Illinois, for LCC K-9 Police Ministry.

The golf outing brought together many of Andy's friends and family to honor his memory and was a fundraiser for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. The Andrew Whowell Memorial Golf Outing raised $2,750 for the LCC K-9 Police Ministry in honor of Andy and the good works he did as an LCC K-9 Police Ministry handler.

Andy was a retired Deputy Chief for the Arlington Heights Police Department and an amazing handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Susie (St. Peter - Arlington Heights, Illinois). Both Andy and Susie are Permanently Deployed Serving the Saints and are missed every day by many.

LCC thanks Ray Cowin for organizing the Andrew Whowell Golf Outing and his support for the LCC K-9 Ministry.

During the week of July 10 through July 16, 2021, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Candace (LCC Staff), Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Dora (LHSA of Greater Milwaukee – Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and Julia (King of Glory – Elgin, Illinois) were honored to spend time at C.O.P.S. Kids Camp. 

The camp supports children, ages 6-14 years of age, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Many of the children return to camp each year and look forward to the unconditional love, comfort, and compassion provided by LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. 

In addition, campers at C.O.P.S. Kids Camp have the opportunity to attend grief counseling sessions specifically designed for their needs and participate in activities such as swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, canoeing, ropes courses, and campfire skits.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, 165 Police Officers have died in the line of duty in 2021 alone. Please keep the families, especially the children, who often struggle with enormous grief and loss and are left behind, in your thoughts and prayers. 

On Wednesday, July 7, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Eve (St. John's - Lombard, Illinois), Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) with their law enforcement handlers, and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) and his veteran handler attended the 2nd Annual Andrew Whowell Memorial Golf Outing at Villa Olivia Golf Course in Bartlett, Illinois.  
 
Andy was a retired Deputy Chief for the Arlington Heights Police Department and an amazing handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Susie (Permanently Deployed Serving the Saints). Both Andy and Susie are missed every day by many. 

The Comfort Dogs were present to provide comfort and compassion to the golfers who knew and loved Andy. The golf outing brought together many of Andy's friends and family to honor his memory, and was a fundraiser for LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs .