Dozens Of Cops Show Up To Take Their Fallen Comrade's Kids To Their First Day Of School

Emotional video shows cops who escorted fallen comrade’s kids to their first day of school

Jessica Scherlen of Texas, is a mother of four. Her husband passed from complications from injuries he received on his job as a police officer. Knowing that the family was feeling heartbroken the cops of his department wanted to honor their friend and former coworker, Justin Scherlen.

“I’ll never forget the day,” the mom shared. “I thought it was a joke.” Justin had been with the Amarillo Police Department since 2004 and was wounded in a serious traffic accident at work last September. The Texas father had multiple surgeries, but his fellow cops expected him to make a full recovery. As her children’s back to school date quickly approached Jessica began to dread the day.

Not wanting her to face the day alone, Justin’s former coworkers started organizing something special that will surely bring tears to your eyes when you see it. “It was heartwarming,” Jessica told Inside Edition. “It was so loving.” Busy taking care of her kids that range from 21 months to 4th grade, Jessica said she was shocked to hear about the officers’ plan. “It felt really good for them to reach out like that,” she added.

About two dozen cops from the department showed up to make sure the family had a special start to the new school year. “Gotta be there,” Officer Daniel Smith shared. “He was family.” Jessica kept the officers’ surprise a secret from the kids until the day of, including son Jackson who was going to school for the first time ever. “I can’t imagine how Jackson must have felt,” Smith said. “It was hard to see him have to do that without his daddy.”

The first day of school is exhausting and nerve-wracking for most kids. But as the Scherlen children strolled up to school that day police officers were seemingly everywhere waiting to walk them to class. Jessica said the kids were shocked. “They’ll walk me into school?” second-grader Taylor asked. “They’ll walk me into class?'” Little Jackson was probably the most relieved, though, as he started to give the officers hugs. Jessica added, “then he worked his way down the line. It brought a lot of tears.”

Nothing compares to your dad, but the officers’ surprise made Jessica and Jackson’s day. “It’s not quite the same when your parent can’t take you and do things like that,” she explained, “but to know the blue family is there behind them, that really helps.” And the officers said they were happy to help out. “I’d give it all back just to have Justin here with his son,” Officer Smith shared. “At least we can be here for him and let Jackson know that he always has someone to call on.”