At 4:39 pm on Sunday, November 21, a vehicle fleeing police drove into the Waukesha Christmas parade in progress. As of this morning, five people have been killed – four females and one male – with ages ranging from 52 – 81, six children critical, and many other victims with injuries ranging from critical, serious, and fair conditions. Eighteen patients between the ages of 3 to 16 were taken to Children’s Wisconsin Hospital, including three sets of siblings. The parade route was packed with families and children of all ages who were present for the festive occasion.
In less than 24 hours, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Pastor Peter Schmidt from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha and were present at the Waukesha Candlelight Vigil this evening.
Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO has deployed with LCC K-9 Ministry teams and brought hearts/markers through our Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), Crosses for Losses Ministry to be present and help people who are shocked and trying to process this horrific event. LCC K-9 and HMC Ministry teams will serve with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer. The hearts/markers will be placed at the Veterans Park memorial site for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the five lives lost so far.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Candace (LCC Staff), Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, Wisconsin), Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), and Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin), along with their ministry teams were present at the vigil to help bring comfort and hope to all who are grieving.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity and Rhoda and their teams were also invited by the Pewaukee School District this morning and visited teachers and staff today from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in preparation for the students to return to class on Tuesday. [Classes have since been cancelled until next Monday.]LCC K-9 Ministry teams will continue to serve as invited wherever they are needed.
The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies group confirmed their members are among those who were killed. Their Facebook post shared:
“The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are devastated by this terrible tragedy with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade. Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness. While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts. Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed…..joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue….held us together. Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates become available it will be posted. Please keep them their families, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and everyone whose lives have forever changed in your thoughts and prayers.”
Please join LCC as we pray for the Waukesha community during this incredibly difficult time and for all of the first responders who heroically responded to save lives.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them.
Donate to help LCC K-9 teams travel to help the hurting.
#PrayingForWaukesha
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!