A Legacy of Service: ICAN Honors Former Mayor Tom Henry with a Puppy Named in His Memory
ICAN Henry stands beside a portrait of his namesake, former Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry.
In Fort Wayne, a four-month-old yellow Labrador named Henry is just beginning his journey—but he’s already carrying the legacy of a beloved public servant.
This September, in honor of Service Dog Awareness Month, the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) has named one of its newest service dogs in training after former Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. The gesture is more than symbolic—it’s a tribute to a man whose life was defined by service, and a promise that his impact will continue through the paws of a puppy.
Born through ICAN’s breeding program, ICAN Henry will soon begin formal training at the Indiana Women’s Prison, where the nonprofit's innovative model pairs service dogs with incarcerated individuals. Over the next two years, ICAN Henry will learn to provide life-changing support to someone living with a disability—whether it’s mobility assistance, psychiatric support, or facility-based care.
For Tom Henry’s family, ICAN's prison program component holds extra special meaning. Their father, Jerome Henry, served as warden of the Pendleton Correctional Facility from 1966 to 1968. The connection adds another layer of significance to ICAN Henry’s journey—one that honors not just Tom Henry’s legacy, but the family’s broader commitment to public service and rehabilitation.
“Our dad was very progressive in his approach as warden,” said Tony Henry, Tom’s brother. “He really taught all of us—including Tom—what it meant to be a humanitarian and to treat people with kindness, no matter their circumstances.”
Left to right: Henry siblings Jessica, Paula, Andrea, and Tony, joined by their nephew Adam.
Last month, ICAN Henry met several members of Tom Henry’s family, including four of his siblings and his nephew, Adam Henry. For them, the moment was deeply personal.
“My uncle dedicated his life to serving others, so seeing Henry the puppy begin a journey of service in his honor feels incredibly meaningful,” Adam said.
Throughout the training process, the Henry family will receive updates and letters from the incarcerated handler guiding the puppy’s development. They’ll also have opportunities to visit and witness the transformation firsthand.
If ICAN Henry graduates, he’ll be matched with an Indiana adult, child, or Veteran living with a disability—continuing Tom Henry’s legacy of compassion and community care.
But ICAN Henry’s journey doesn’t stop there.
This fall, he’ll serve as Grand Marshal for ICAN’s inaugural Salute to Service 5K and Family Walk, taking place Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m. at Kreager Park in Fort Wayne. The event celebrates Veterans and raises funds to support ICAN’s mission of providing highly trained service dogs to those who served. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and registration is now open.
“Having puppy Henry serve as the ‘spokesdog’ for our Veteran initiatives is a meaningful tribute,” said Jillian Ashton, ICAN President. “Tom Henry’s proud service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves reflected his deep commitment to supporting Veterans—a legacy we’re honored to continue.”
Founded in Indianapolis in 2002, ICAN expanded to Fort Wayne in 2022 and is actively growing its presence in the region. The nonprofit is seeking volunteers, donors, and clients to help expand its mission—and stories like ICAN Henry’s are helping to build that bridge.
“My brother never sought the spotlight,” said Jessica Henry-Johnson, Tom Henry’s sister. “He wasn’t the type to want buildings named after him. But I can just hear him laughing and saying, ‘A service dog named after me? That’s pretty great.’ And I know it would’ve brought him so much joy.”
In a world that often feels divided, ICAN Henry is a reminder of what service can look like—loyal, loving, and life-changing. And as he grows into his role, he’ll carry forward the spirit of “the people’s mayor,” one paw at a time.
Learn more about ICAN: icandog.org.