EMTs mourn colleague's passing with K-9 care

At the end of last week, Milwaukee-based Bell Ambulance lost one of its own.

EMT Meng Kue was on his way home from work when he was killed in a hit-and-run accident. The news of his death shocked and devastated his coworkers at Bell. 

Yet, amid the sorrow and grief, there was a connection to comfort.  One Bell employee is a member at Brookfield Lutheran. Upon hearing the tragic news, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) team at Brookfield quickly customized an HMC and delivered it on Monday. 

The team wanted all the employees at Bell to know that they are not alone in their grief.  They are seen, supported, and surrounded by compassion during this incredibly difficult time.

Also arriving to help were LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield, WI) and Rejoice (St. Paul’s - Janesville, WI), who brought their peaceful, calm presence to a gathering of Bell Ambulance employees on Friday and Saturday.

Getting down on the floor with the dogs, the Bell workers stroked the soft fur of both K-9s and rested in quiet conversations and stillness.

One of Rejoice’s handlers shared that they were glad to be there. 

“Her presence brought together several of the EMTs who chatted as a group as they pet her. It seemed to help them do some processing of the tragedy. One of the young ladies laid right on the floor next to Rejoice. She leaned into the woman, bringing her to tears. She said Rejoice knew exactly what she needed.” 

Rejoice lingered a while amid the tears and remembrances. 

“She leaned in the direction she was needed the most. Sometimes, she’d just let them process. Other times, she’d put her head in their lap, as if to tell them that she was there only for them. I always find it overwhelming how easily the dogs break through the barriers that we put up for ourselves.”

LCC’s prayers are with the Kue family. 

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