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Colo. officers form ‘cuddle crew’ for premature baby

A couple had to return to work and leave their premature baby at the hospital, but the Aurora PD made sure the child wasn’t alone

By Police1 Staff

AURORA, Colo. — Cops in Colorado came together to take care of an officer’s premature baby while the officer and her husband are away at work.

KUSA reports that Officer Melissa Winch and her husband Adam, who is a former cop, had their son Axel delivered at 29 weeks. Axel has suffered from a number of health issues and spent months in care as doctors try to solve what has so far been a medical mystery.

As weeks of treatment time turned into months, the couple eventually had to return to work. But a group of cops made sure Axel wouldn’t be alone in the hospital.

Sgt. Mike Pitrusu, who runs Aurora PD’s Employee Support and Wellness unit, said he learned about the situation and decided to help. He had officers sign up for shifts to watch Axel while his parents worked - dubbed the “cuddle watch.”

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Sworn and non-sworn employees have made the trip to the hospital and even raised funds for the couple. One detective even had them stay in her home.

Axel recently went home, but Aurora PD said they have developed a lifelong friendship with the family.