 Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams and LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were invited to Charlotte, North Carolina, by Rev. Dr. Pres. William Harmon of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southeastern District and Pastor Steven Newberg of Ascension Lutheran Church, Charlotte in response to the shooting on Monday, April 29, that killed four law enforcement officers: Officer Joshua Eyer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; Officers Samuel Poloche and William Elliott, North Carolina Department of Corrections; and Thomas Weeks, U.S. Marshals Deputy. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Faith (St. Stephens - Hickory, North Carolina), Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida), Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, South Carolina), and Zoara (Island Lutheran - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) and their handlers spent the week visiting with countless law enforcement personal, 911 dispatchers, EMS workers, firefighters, military personal, and their families. The teams also set up an LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion memorial to honor the victims. They gifted several departments an LCC Heart of Mercy & Compassion to show their love and appreciation.  The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were customized and shipped quickly to Charlotte last week when LCC learned of the shooting. Kyra Carbone, Top Dog for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, North Carolina), received the hearts, packed them up, and headed to Charlotte for the evening candlelight vigil. The hearts were presented there, and many signed them, offering sincere support and appreciation for the officers and compassion to the families in their loss. The messages of comfort, just like the candles at the vigil, provided light in a dark time. The next day, the HMCs were taken to the “Fallen Officer Memorial Statue,” adjacent to the police headquarters in Charlotte -- a fitting place to remember the four officers who lost their lives boldly serving the Charlotte community. The four crosses and hearts displayed here will allow the community more time to engage with the hearts and crosses, offering notes of love and gratitude.  On Friday, May 3, the teams were honored to be present at the funeral of Officer Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Teams were all deeply touched to witness the procession of law enforcement with the bagpipes, drumming, and American flag flying high above. It was incredible to witness the support of the law enforcement community coming together from all over the country for their fallen brother and his family. Each first responder God put in our path exemplifies the teachings of Christ, showing compassion, mercy, and sacrificial love to those in need. Behind their outward strength lies the weight of immense responsibility and the toll of constant exposure to trauma. The demands of their profession and the relentless stress take a heavy toll on their mental well-being. Their sacrifice is not just physical but emotional and spiritual as well. We recognize the importance of supporting their mental health and offering them the same care and compassion they so willingly give to others. As we offer our gratitude to first responders, please lift them up in prayer, seeking protection and peace for their weary souls. May the Lord's guiding hand continue to sustain and protect them. We want to thank our wonderful LCC K-9 Comfort Dog handlers for all their efforts in Charlotte. They had a full schedule but showed up to each first responder with an open heart full of love and compassion. We also thank Paul Soost for his outstanding leadership on this deployment. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the support from our generous donors. Thank you for allowing us to say, "Here I am, send me," and be there for Charlotte. "I wanted to send an email simply restating our overwhelming gratitude for your team and organization. You responded to our community without hesitation and were a comforting, calming presence for us all week/weekend. We cannot thank you enough for what each of you and your dogs do in tragic times such as these. We have had SO many people talk about the impact you made on them. Please share this with each team that dedicated their time to us at CMPD this past week. Thank you, and God bless you!" Lt. Amy Wheaton Learning and Wellness Service Group Peer Support Administrator Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Comments are closed.
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