Compassionate Officers Send Fallen Cop's Kids Off To First Day Of School

Three Texas children who lost their father had some special stand-ins on their first day of school.

Almost two dozen officers from the Amarillo Police Department showed up to escort late police officer Justin Scherlen’s children to class, KAMR reported. And for Jackson, the late officer’s 4-year-old son, it was an extra special day because it was his first time going to school.

“I think Jackson really enjoyed having everyone here,” Jessica, Jackson’s mother, told KVII. “Just to know that he’s still loved by the blue family and that they still care. Emotionally, it’s awesome to see.”

The officers first showed up to Coronado Elementary School Monday morning to send the two older kids, Charity and Taylor, to class. They later returned to do the same for Jackson. The officers lined the halls and gave hugs, making that first day of school a little sweeter.

Scherlen died earlier this month while on vacation with his family. His official cause of death has not yet been released, but it could be linked to severe injuries he sustained in a traffic accident while in the line of duty last year, Officer Jeb Hilton told The Huffington Post.

Hilton explained to ABC News that the gesture was a complete surprise to the children. But the kids weren’t the only ones left emotional by the act of kindness ― the officers were touched as well.

“It hit me at lunch time when we took the youngest one in or the third child in. They don’t get to tell dad about these stories and I just, I was bawling,” Sgt. Carla Burr told KAMR.

Jessica mentioned to KVII her late husband would’ve appreciated what his colleagues did for the children.