A 4-year-old boy with end-stage kidney disease fulfilled his ambition of becoming a cop with the Orlando Police Department for one day. Stone Hicks had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity last week to make his first two arrests and realize his dream of stopping criminal guys in his town.
According to the Daily Mail, the Orlando Police Department and the Make-a-Wish Foundation collaborated to give a kindergartener the opportunity to become a police officer for a day.
On April 24, the loyal “Paw Patrol” fan’s desire came true as the police chief swore him in as a police officer in a jubilant ceremony. In his new outfit, “Officer Stone” drew applause from a full theater.
The Orlando Police Department published a photo of Stone in his patrol cruiser, flanked by fellow officers, celebrating his special day with the following message: “Stone, thank YOU for your courage, not only in helping us today solve crime but also being an inspiration to the entire community.”
The cops constructed a scene for young Officer Stone to attend to two urgent police calls. First, he valiantly returned a stolen dog, pursuing the “thief” on car and on foot before making the arrest, gaining a meaningful hug from the puppy’s owner.
Undeterred, Stone returned to the thriller-filled action, this time after another suspect accused of “stealing” a former Orlando City Soccer star’s retired shirt. Stone and an adult successfully handcuffed the “suspect” at the soccer stadium.
Stone’s family was among the enthusiastic viewers, happy to see their son’s dream come true.
“Him being in the police cars, rushing to the bad guys and arresting them, it was a full-on experience for him, one I’m sure he won’t forget,” said Craig Hicks, Stone’s father.
And “Officer Stone” wasn’t shy about his impressive record as an Orlando cop.
“I was awesome,” he said.
Stone’s service was commemorated with a jubilant procession that included the Orlando Magic’s lively band and cheerleaders, a proclamation from the mayor, a recognition plaque from the police department, and a bag loaded with exciting things, all accompanied by a shower of confetti.
Despite retiring his headgear and uniform, Stone had a day full of thrills, including meeting familiar characters from his favorite show, “Paw Patrol.”
Anne Cuba, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, stated that such gestures for children with critical diseases are quite significant.
“[Stone’s] been battling end-stage kidney disease. Our kids go through so much when they battle their critical illness and we are really here to celebrate him and give him that hope and strength and joy,” Cuba said.
She continued: “What’s special is the wishes that we grant is it’s not just for the child, it’s really for the entire family because it’s not only the child battling the critical illness, it’s the entire family that has grown into this terrible situation.”