By Joanna Putman
Police1
GENESEE COUNTY, N.Y. — The legacy of fallen Genesee County Sheriff’s Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty earlier this year, is being carried on through a heartfelt gesture involving Hot Wheels toy cars, WKBW reported.
Deputy Rachel Diehl, Sergeant Sanfratello’s niece, highlighted her uncle’s deep connection with the community and his passion for collecting Hot Wheels, according to the report. He was known for sharing his diecast cars with children visiting the sheriff’s office.
“He was not only my uncle, but my best friend, my partner,” said Diehl. “He was the kid that never grew up.”
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To honor Sanfratello, Mattel, Inc., the manufacturer of Hot Wheels, donated four cases of the toy cars to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, according to the report. The donation amounted to 288 Hot Wheels cars.
The donated Hot Wheels cars are now being distributed to various community agencies across Genesee County, according to the report. The aim is to continue Sergeant Sanfratello’s legacy by bringing joy to children in his name.
“It feels so good because we don’t want him to be forgotten,” Diehl said. “He will always be with us one way or another, even if it’s just in a Hot Wheels car.