Life could have turned out so differently for one Colorado deputy.
But the moment she had her badge pinned on at her graduation from the sheriff’s academy, by an officer who saved her life 22 years years ago, shows how far she has come.
On a fateful day in November 2000, Escondido police officer Jeff Valdivia arrived at a home in south Escondido, California, to assist state parole with a search. Valdivia found 6-week-old Natalie Young in a very vulnerable situation. She was lying on a bed next to her mother with a meth pipe laying close by.
Nearly two decades later, Young wanted the officer who saved her life to know that she was placed with a loving adoptive family and that everything “turned out all right.”
In early October, as Young was set to graduate from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Academy, her mother found Sgt. Valdivia, who was still working at Escondido Police Department, and invited him to Young’s graduation ceremony at Colorado Springs so that he could meet the “little girl.”
The heartwarming pictures show Sgt. Valdivia pinning freshly-minted Deputy Young’s badge and giving her a heartfelt embrace.
“Congratulations, Deputy Young!” wrote Escondido PD. “Welcome to a noble profession.”
The post has since garnered thousands of reactions with many netizens taking to the comments section.
“This story has me in tears, how beautiful,“ commented one. “As a mother blessed thru adoption with beautiful children doing wonderful things in their community, I couldn’t be prouder of all those involved in this story.”
Another user added: “Such an amazing example of how one act of kindness can change a life forever. God bless you both and may God protect you as you serve your communities.”
“Her parents must be so proud,” wrote a third.
Sharing the story, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office stated it was an honor to welcome Young as part of their family, and emphasized the positive, long-lasting impact Sgt. Valdivia has had on his community.
