A Day to Remember

Battleborn

I originally put this in the WAYDN thread and a couple of people said it needed it’s own thread, so here it is with a little more back story. 

My wife recently switched jobs from working at a university to becoming a volunteer coordinator with the state veterans nursing home. It has certainly brought more fulfillment to her professional life, being a veteran herself. 

On Veteran’s Day she had come up with a little program were people sent in short videos of people thanking the veterans for their service. I was able to get a few officers to record something in their uniform for the event. Anyway, one of the residents came up to her and asked if the officers really took the time to do that. He further stated that his son was a police officer and had been killed while on duty. She told me about it and told me his name. I sent her a picture of the man’s son’s plaque that we have for each fallen officer in all of our buildings. He had no idea that we take a particular interest in those that have fallen for our department. My wife asked me what it would take for him to come to a station and see the plaque. After talking with a few people and putting her in contact with them we had a plan. My wife was able to contact the man’s daughter and she flew in from out of state. 

Mr. Woolridge was up this morning and waiting to leave at 5:30. They made it to the substation where Mr. Woolridge was met by a pretty large group of officers and shown his son’s plaque and was given a shadow box. He then went over to our academy building where he was able to see his son’s graduating class picture and speak with a current academy (each academy class is dedicated to a fallen officer). He then went to the nearby Police Memorial Park and was able to see the tree that is dedicated to his son. The plan was to take him to his son’s grave sight a few miles away, but being 91 year old Korean War vet he had had enough for the day. 

I am so happy that we were able to give him and his daughter a little piece of mind knowing that their loved one will never be forgotten. 

Ozzie_Isaac

Amazing!  Thank you for sharing.  What your wife and department did for this gentleman cannot be understated.

SamIAm2

There are at least two things that are impressive about this for me. That both you and your wife took the time to make the arrangements and the number of on duty officers in attendance during his visit. Showing respect and care. Bravo.

lkapigian

Just a beautiful, heart warming story 

BigreenGreg

Beautiful, you and your wife are wonderful people putting that together. Good job!

Canugghead

Glad you've done justice to this beautiful, heart warming story with its own thread.

lousubcap

I applaud you and your wife for taking this on, conceptualizing and making happen a day that will be one of the best Mr Woolridge has experienced. 
What a fitting closure for all involved.  You did it right.  My sincerest appreciation for this entire recognition and acknowledgement.  

JohnInCarolina

Very cool!

Battleborn

SamIAm2 said:

There are at least two things that are impressive about this for me. That both you and your wife took the time to make the arrangements and the number of on duty officers in attendance during his visit. Showing respect and care. Bravo.

I certainly didn’t do anything but made introductions and put her in contact with the right people. It was all my wife and the great people I work with. 

alaskanassasin

Outstanding man, way to make a difference. Hats off to you and swmbo 

caliking

Fabulous doesn't begin to describe this.

Thank you for the details about the effort taken to make this gentleman's day a special memory. Kudos, to you, your wife, and your department. Y'all are amazing. 

FarmingPhD

It’s dusty in here by the reaction of my eyes.  Battleborn, you are a good man and you married well.

kl8ton

Love! 

caliking

Battleborn said:

I've come back to this thread a few times already, for this picture. 

StillH2OEgger

Kudos to all involved. While very inspiring, I am saddened to see just how many plaques are unfortunately on that wall.

Battleborn

StillH2OEgger said:

Kudos to all involved. While very inspiring, I am saddened to see just how many plaques are unfortunately on that wall.

26 names are on the wall, each with their own story dating back to 1928. Humbling doesn’t begin to describe walking by that wall everyday. 

danhoo

Thank you for sharing this. 

6baluts

Really nice story and gesture. BZ!
Was surprised not a mention yesterday of the events that took place at approx 0755 7 Dec 1941.

BigreenGreg

6baluts 

Was surprised not a mention yesterday of the events that took place at approx 0755 7 Dec 1941.

Wrong thread.

JohnnyTarheel

Fantastic…. Thanks for sharing….

pgprescott

Awesome!

Battleborn

6baluts said:

Really nice story and gesture. BZ!
Was surprised not a mention yesterday of the events that took place at approx 0755 7 Dec 1941.

Appreciate it. Guess I overlooked your thread on the subject. 

Ozzie_Isaac

If I were the Buffalo, this would be a sticky for December.

Coastal_OReggON

What a beautiful and heartwarming story!  Every one of you who played a role in showing Mr. Wooldridge that his son is still honored and remembered are wonderful people – Thank you!