By Police1 Staff
Police go above and beyond the call of duty every day for their community, but there’s something particularly heartwarming about an officer or an entire department rallying for a child in need. From a group of cops saving an autistic boy’s birthday to an emotionally-charged embrace in the middle of a protest, check out these five instances in which cops connected with children.
 | Fla. cops save autistic boy’s birthday after no one shows up Police reached out to a boy and his mother after a post on social media caught the attention of the local community. |
 | Mass. cop saves toddler’s birthday after theft Shannah Shea was purchasing items for her daughter’s first birthday when she discovered her wallet had been stolen. |
 | Fla. cops surprise family in need with Christmas tree Seven-year-old Rachelle Daceus told officers that her struggling family wasn’t able to purchase a tree for the holiday season. |
 | Officer hugs boy at Ore. Ferguson protest At the Portland rally was 12-year-old Devonte Hart, who stood crying out of sadness over the events in Ferguson. |
 | SWAT team visit children’s hospital in superhero costumes Hospital staff and a SWAT team worked together to develop a plan that sent a dozen officers in superhero costumes down the side of a hospital. |