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Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,658
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

A group of Florida police officers have gone above the call of duty to make the first day of school extra special for the son of their wounded comrade. 

 

More than a dozen officers can be seen greeting five-year-old Kaleb as he makes his way to Kindergarten and admiring his new Lego Batman backpack.

 

Kaleb's father, Officer Kevin Valencia, was shot in the head on June 10 while responding to a domestic violence call in which the suspect killed four children, aged one to 11, before taking his own life.

 

In the heartwarming video officers can be seen high-fiving an excited Kaleb and embracing his mother in the parking lot before walking down to the classroom.

 

As the school boy joins his new classmates the proud officers look on and cheer, wishing him good luck for his first day. 

 

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said members of Valencia's squad took Kaleb and his mother, Meghan, to school Friday.

 

Chief Mina said it was an emotional day, but the little boy was excited to show off his Lego Batman book bag as he went to school for the first day.  

 

Kaleb also high-fives his mom before walking into the classroom as the officers stood by.

 

Orlando Police Chief John Mina along with members of Valencia's squad took Kaleb and his mother, Meghan, to school Friday

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6054513/Florida-officers-escort-five-year-old-son-wounded-co...

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
Valued Contributor
Posts: 761
Registered: ‎06-01-2010

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

This story made me cry. I hope and pray that this Officer will make a complete recovery.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,014
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

What a wonderful story.   The officers in our country do so much more for us than protect and serve.  They make lives and days special.  Thanks @KingstonsMomHeart

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."
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Registered: ‎06-30-2014

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

Bless their hearts....................and always keep them safe Heart

Honored Contributor
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Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

I guess I have a different point of view... I wish the injured cop and his family well, and hope he is able to fully recover. It seems fewer than 'more than a dozen' officers escorting the young boy would have made the same point and been impactul, but were I a resident of this area, such a large contingent would make me wonder about resource allocation...


In my pantry with my cupcakes...
Honored Contributor
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Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School


@stevieb wrote:

I guess I have a different point of view... I wish the injured cop and his family well, and hope he is able to fully recover. It seems fewer than 'more than a dozen' officers escorting the young boy would have made the same point and been impactul, but were I a resident of this area, such a large contingent would make me wonder about resource allocation...


I would bet @stevieb they were on their off time but in uniform for the occasion.  I know in my city police escorts for funeral are done by off duty officers with no pay.  Yes the vehicles cost our city for the use but the escort from church to cemetery is not paid by the tax payer.  Only done out of kindness.

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."
Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,658
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

[ Edited ]

@stevieb wrote:

I guess I have a different point of view... I wish the injured cop and his family well, and hope he is able to fully recover. It seems fewer than 'more than a dozen' officers escorting the young boy would have made the same point and been impactul, but were I a resident of this area, such a large contingent would make me wonder about resource allocation...


 

@stevieb

 

Orlando, FL PD has 700 sworn officers, so I doubt 12 were missed for that half hour, besides as @beckyb1012 mentioned, these are usually off duty officers who donate their time.

 

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
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Registered: ‎06-27-2013

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

Honored Contributor
Posts: 65,680
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School


@KingstonsMom wrote:

@stevieb wrote:

I guess I have a different point of view... I wish the injured cop and his family well, and hope he is able to fully recover. It seems fewer than 'more than a dozen' officers escorting the young boy would have made the same point and been impactul, but were I a resident of this area, such a large contingent would make me wonder about resource allocation...


 

@stevieb

 

Orlando, FL PD has 700 sworn officers, so I doubt 12 were missed for that half hour, besides as @beckyb1012 mentioned, these are usually off duty officers who donate their time.

 


@KingstonsMom @beckyb1012 I too suspect and would hope their time was donated. If not, as noted, I could even see deploying a handful on duty, just not quite so many... 


In my pantry with my cupcakes...
Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,916
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Cops Escort son of Comrade in Coma to 1st day of School

Heart warming.   We've had a lot of things like that in this area over the past year.  I expect there will be more as schools open.  My favorite was the little boy who was obsessed with fire trucks and firemen.  When they got the call to come to the hospital because they found a heart for him;  he arrived on fire truck with entourage of fire trucks and police cars.  You should have seen the smile on that kid's face!