Building More: A Community Heals with K9 Iro in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

A Community Heals Through Brushes and Bravery

It was a Saturday like any other until the quiet morning was shattered with sirens and flashing lights. A routine call about a disturbance escalated, leaving K9 Iro critically injured as he shielded his handler, Deputy Blaine Evans, from life-threatening harm. Iro's bravery resonated through the community, leaving hearts heavy and paws silent.

Deputy Evans and K9 Iro sharing and showing recovering injuries on Iro at CD Smith Construction Fond du Lac WI Office

Local artist Mindy Anderson Leitner found solace in her art that morning. Her brushstrokes gave life to a mural of Iro, a majestic testament to his courage and resilience. Under the fading sunlight, she hung the canvas on the fence where the incident unfolded, a beacon of hope amidst the caution tape and lingering shadows.

Artist Mindy Leitner, Deputy Evans, K9 Iro with painting at CD Smith Construction Fond du Lac WI Office

News of Iro's heroism and Mindy's tribute ignited a spark. A group of local businesses, led by C.D. Smith Construction, formed a committee to spread hope and support. 1,000 posters featuring Mindy's mural were donated to the cause, raising nearly $11,000 for the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office K9 Program to help cover the cost of medical bills for K9 Iro, follow-up services and to support the other K9 teams.

Four weeks after that fateful Saturday, the committee gathered at C.D. Smith's office for a heartwarming check presentation. The special guests -- K9 Iro, tail wagging, and Deputy Evans, beaming with gratitude.

Group of Donors and Recipients with giant check to FDL Sheriff K9 Porgram on steps at CD Smith Construction Fond du Lac WI Office

In that moment, Iro wasn't just a K9 officer but a symbol of unwavering loyalty, a community's furry guardian angel. Through brushes and bravery, a community healed, proving that the light of compassion shines brightest in the face of darkness.

At C.D. Smith, we're proud to be a part of that light, always looking for ways to #giveback to the communities we call home. Because when a hero heals, a community heals with him.

Artist Mindy Leitner Deputy Evans K9 Iro Justin Smieth and Sheriff Waldschmidt at CD Smith Construction Fond du Lac Wisconsin Office

Thank You to Business and Community Supporters! | facebook.com/ArtForIro

• Animal Outfitters
• C.D. Smith Construction
• EP-Direct
• Indigo Gallery
• Sam Meyer State Farm Agent
• St. Bernard's Animal Medical Center
• Stone Oak Coffee Haus
• Studio L Photography
• Urban Fuel Coffee Station
• W.J. Leasa Electric, Inc.