DALLAS — It was a special day for a special little boy. The first day of kindergarten for Nico DeLaRocha.
Sunnyvale and Dallas Police officers including DPD’s mounted patrol showed up before the first bell.
”It’s a big day for him. It’s kindergarten and we wanted to come out and show our support,” said Sgt. George Aranda, Dallas Police Department.
Nico’s father, Dallas Police Sr. Cpl. Jose DeLaRocha passed away suddenly last August.
“He was playing with his son in the kitchen that morning and passed out and his son Nico who we are escorting this morning goes up to his mom and says daddy’s on the floor,” said Sgt. Aranda.
Cpl. DeLaRocha suffered a fatal heart attack and didn’t get to share this special moment with his son.
“You go to school here?” asked Chief Eddie Garcia, Dallas Police Department.
DPD officers stepped in to escort little Nico to his first day of class. Chief Eddie Garcia held his hand and walked him to class.
“Walking this little boy to school, holding his hand, the smile on his face. I hope he always knows we are family,” said Chief Garcia.
It was emotional for Nico’s mother and the officers as they surrounded him with love and support.
"Can I get a hug? Thank you so much. You have a great day at school have a good year,” said Chief Garcia.
Chief Garcia, who got emotional, says he wanted to be here not only as an officer but as a father figure.
“I know as a father as a lot of us are it’s emotional. His dad would have given anything to be here so I know he’s looking down and he’s smiling today,” said Garcia.
And that is how officers remember Cpl. DeLaRocha--with a big smile and a big heart that lives on in his little boy.