Cops Step in to Escort 8-Year-Old to Father-Daughter Dance
Memphis police officers stood in for Jewel Warren’s dad, a fellow officer shot and killed in the line of duty four years ago, at the 8-year-old’s Father-Daughter dance in Memphis, Tenn. on Sept. 4. (Photo: Amanda Swain Photography)
Jewel Warren’s dad, Tim Warren, was a police officer killed in the line of duty in 2011. But thanks to six fellow officers who escorted the 8-year-old to her school’s father-daughter dance on Friday, the event became a day for her to celebrate, rather than dread.
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“It was an honor for each of the police officers..[and] such an example of the true brotherhood,” Donna Kirk, founder of Our Fallen Heroes Foundation, tells Yahoo Parenting. Kirk helped connect Jewel’s mom, Betsy Warren, with the force after she reached out on behalf of her daughter regarding the upcoming dance. “There were many more officers who wanted to be a part of the event,” Kirk adds, “but the space was limited. We have been told there will be a waiting list for the next event!”
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Photo: Amanda Swain Photography
When Betsy first learned about the dance, joy was far from her mind. “She was at a loss,” an officer for the Memphis police department noted in a Facebook post on Saturday. That’s why the mother of two, including son James, 12, approached Kirk and another officer’s wife about how to help support her little girl. (Betsy declined Yahoo Parenting’s request for comment).
Photo: Amanda Swain Photography
The women spread the word, and the community joined the Memphis Police Department in making Jewel’s day a true delight. Local florists donated boutonnieres, a corsage, and long-stem roses for each of the officers to give to Jewel. A photographer volunteered her talents to shoot the party, and Jewel and her grandfather were even treated to a swanky ride to the dance in a classic 1972 Cutlass Supreme.
“Jewel had so much fun but as the officers started coming out of the dance, I noticed the smiles on their faces,” Officer Amen’s wife Taylor Amen tells Yahoo Parenting. “I think they had more fun.“ Photo: Facebook/Taylor Amen.
“Warren was taken from us but he will never be forgotten,” reads the Department’s post. “…and the bond between fellow officers was definitely shown tonight by several of Memphis’ Finest.” Officer Amen, one of the revelers who celebrated with Jewel by dancing and joining a conga line, noted on the post, “We know we cannot replace Tim, but we can be there for his family when we are needed.”
Photo: Amanda Swain Photography
And they certainly made a difference that day — to everyone who witnessed the sweet show of support. “It was a lovely event,” Kirk tells Yahoo Parenting. “And it brought many tears to everyone involved.”
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