OREM, Utah, Feb. 3, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A little girl who wanted to thank the local police in Orem for all they do got a surprise when a team of officers showed up at her school.
It all started when the 6-year-old Claire Gridley asked her mom to take her to the police station.
“Out of nowhere she said ‘Mom, I want to go thank and hug a policeman and a firemen because they try to protect and save all of us even though they don’t know us,’ so we did,” Emeline Gridley explained in a message on Facebook to Orem City Police Department.
But once they arrived, no one was there for her to meet as they were all out on patrol, so they gave the little girl’s message to the officers at the window.
The Facebook message further explained they were disappointed to hear that she would not be able to meet with any officer and that her daughter excitedly waves from the back seat at any officer she sees while they are on the road.
Shortly after leaving, Sgt. A. Thomas, whose first name was not made available, talked to the Claire’s mom and decided to do something a little different. Thomas, with the help of Cpl. John Arnoldsen and his K-9 partner Cooper and a group of officers went to the little girl’s school.
The officers got to meet their admirer, get a few hugs in, and stayed to talk to her entire class.
The family said they know all too well that law enforcement, firefighters and EMT’s are a brotherhood and sisterhood that is undeniably strong and touching to witness.
“We have a special place in our hearts for paramedics, firemen, and police officers. My dad was a EMT/firefighter for 35 years before he unexpectedly passed away almost three years ago,” Gridley said. “So thank you for everything all of you sacrifice every day.”
