Son of Killed Police Officer Gets Welcome at First Day of Kindergarten

A motorcade and dozens of police officers lined the entrance of Citrus Elementary School in Upland, California, to welcome the son of a slain officer on his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 29.

Over 70 officers from Pomona, Upland, and Ontario police departments, as well as the California Highway Patrol, came to show their support for the 5-year-old boy, according to ABC 7.

The boy’s father, Greggory Casillas, had only been working with the Pomona Police Department for six months when was shot during a standoff with a fugitive on March 9, according to NBC Los Angeles.

According to prosecutors, suspect Isaias De Jesus Valencia was hiding in an apartment building before firing a gun through the door at the police, reported NBC. Casillas was killed, while another officer was hit and survived. Valencia was charged with murder and could face the death penalty.

“It was our privilege to escort Greggorio Casillas, son of our fallen Officer Greggory Casillas, on his first day of kindergarten. The Casillas family will never be forgotten and they are part of a law enforcement family that will always be with them,” wrote the Pomona Police Department on a Twitter post.

The police department also posted a short video clip of the officers clapping as young Greggorio walked through the line of supporters on his way to school.

It was a touching tribute to 30-year-old Officer Casillas, who left behind his wife and two children.

“It brings tears to my eyes. Poor baby boy,” wrote Twitter user @RaideretteQT, who also posted video of the event.

Credit: Pomona Police Department via Storyful