A dog, a heart, and a relationship

Redeemer Fort Collins, CO, comforts injured firefighter after wrong-way crash ​

We often say that first responders are heroes. They rush toward danger when others are running away. They work long hours, witness tragedy, and carry burdens most people never see.

Communities are quick to thank first responders after an emergency, but meaningful support requires more than words. It requires relationships.

That is something Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO, understands well.

Through Lutheran Church Charities' Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry and K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Redeemer has spent years intentionally building relationships with firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other first responders throughout Northern Colorado. Their support isn't limited to times of crisis. They show up consistently, visit stations, attend community events, offer encouragement, and remind first responders that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

Those relationships became especially meaningful recently when Berthoud Fire Protection District Lieutenant Ken Bradley (pictured above) was critically injured in a devastating wrong-way crash while driving to work.
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The collision left Lt. Bradley with multiple fractures, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and numerous other serious injuries. While doctors began the difficult work of treating his physical wounds, his fire department family and community rallied around him in prayer and support.

Among those eager to encourage him was Jody Lockwood, Ministry Coordinator for Redeemer's Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry and Top Dog for Devorah Comfort Dog. Jody is a dedicated leader with a heart for serving others. 

"Upon hearing about this horrific accident, I knew right away I wanted to encourage Lt. Bradley with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion," Lockwood shared.

Lockwood brought a Heart of Mercy & Compassion to multiple events and fire stations in the area, inviting fellow first responders, coworkers, and friends to sign it with messages of encouragement and prayers. Initially, Lockwood planned to have one of Lt. Bradley's coworkers deliver the heart to the hospital. 

Then someone suggested something different. "He loves dogs! Why don't you bring Devorah and give him the heart yourself?"

So that's exactly what they did.

When Lockwood, Devorah Comfort Dog, and a fellow handler arrived at Denver Health, they knocked on Lt. Bradley's hospital room door. His wife welcomed them inside.

The first words they heard brought smiles to everyone in the room.

"It's Devorah!"

Through years of visits to the fire station, Devorah and her team had become a familiar and comforting presence. The relationship that Redeemer had invested in over time now allowed them to step into one of the most difficult moments of Lt. Bradley's life with genuine connection and care.

When Lockwood presented the signed Heart of Mercy & Compassion, Lt. Bradley became emotional.

"I asked him if he had any idea how many people were praying for him," Lockwood said. "He said, 'I'm starting to.'"

He held the heart tightly against his chest, taking in the handwritten messages from the people who knew him best. For a firefighter accustomed to helping others, it was a reminder that an entire community was now lifting him up.

We are grateful for volunteers like Jody Lockwood and the Redeemer Lutheran Church ministry teams who go above and beyond to build genuine relationships within their community. Their willingness to show up consistently is what makes moments like this possible. 

Meaningful ministry takes time, consistency, and effort. Relationships are built one conversation, one visit, and one act of kindness at a time. When people know they are genuinely cared for, doors open for deeper conversations, lasting connections, and opportunities to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ.
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Please join us in praying for Lt. Bradley's continued recovery. Pray that God would strengthen and heal him, comfort his family, and remind him that he is surrounded by a community that cares deeply for him and is lifting him up in prayer.

For Lt. Bradley, Devorah’s Scripture verse from Isaiah 43:2 is seemingly perfect: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”