Wounded Cop Couldn’t Make Son’s 1st Day, So “Brothers” Line Kindergarten Hall.

If there’s one thing we know about police officers, it’s that they stand by their own. Many police forces are so tight knit that they face all of life’s milestones, both good and bad, together. When one of their own is injured in the line of duty, these heroes tend to step in and help out the families, just as they know their brothers and sisters in blue would do for them.

Officer Kevin Valencia’s colleagues at the Orlando Police Department in Orlando, Florida are no exception to that rule.


GoFundMe

On June 10th, Officer Valencia was shot in the line of duty. Critically injured, he remains in a coma two months later, and faces a long road to recovery. His wife, Meghan Valencia, was shattered when she had to explain to the couple’s two children that daddy would not be coming home for a while.

“He is fighting every second, and I need him to continue to fight,” Meghan said. “My boys need their daddy and I need my husband.”

Officer Valencia’s son Kaleb is five years old, and on his first day of school he was no doubt missing his father tremendously. The little boy was excited to model his new “police man” sneakers and Lego Batman backpack, but something was missing.


Facebook

Thankfully, the officers at his dad’s police department were not about to let an important day like the first day of kindergarten go unnoticed. Chief of Police John Mina, along with a dozen other uniformed officers, showed up to walk Kaleb into his classroom on the first day of school. After admiring his new kicks, the officers lined up to give the excited kindergartner high fives as he walked down the hallway.


Facebook

The police department shared a video of Kaleb’s big day on their Facebook page, where it went viral as citizens everywhere thanked the officers for stepping in for their fallen brother.


Facebook

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family with medical expenses. So far they’re well on their way towards achieving their $200,000 goal, and Meghan is filled with gratitude from the community support she and her family are receiving.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the support my husband is receiving,” Meghan stated. “I could not have imagined so many people gathering to help a wounded hero! I cannot thank you enough for the continued donations to help the long road ahead in what I KNOW will be my husbands healing process! Thank you so much from the bottom our hearts, thank you!”


Facebook

Thank you to the Orlando Police Department for showing us what true community and brotherhood look like. We are all wishing Officer Valencia a speedy recovery.

Watch the Orlando P.D. escorting Kaleb to class below, and be sure to share!

Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.