MUSKOGEE, Okla. -- Dakota Roe is right at home in the front seat of a patrol car, although the experience is still new to the seven-year-old.
He's always dreamed of joining the police force, and that became possible after meeting Officer Danny Spears.
"I was a cop for Halloween. We took a picture where I wore my hat and then I wrote a note," Dakota said.
This note brought the two back together this week. The Muskogee Police officer reached out to Dakota's family, offering a full day of the police experience. That included everything from getting on the PA, to meeting other officers on duty over the weekend.
Dakota's father said it's rare to see such a big smile on his son's face, since learning four years ago Dakota has a rare genetic condition that's caused stage three kidney failure.
"With what he has it's hard because he has a lot of rough days. He doesn't go to school a lot because of what he has. He gets worn out. So to see him smile consistently is a good thing," Joseph Roe said.
For Officer Spears, lending a helping hand was more than just making a child's day.
"Law enforcement and society has just changed so much. It's no big secret that the relationship police have with the community at times is not so good. So anytime I have an opportunity to better that relationship... I'm all about it," Spears said.
Yet Spears is a father to four adopted boys, and getting to take Dakota out on patrol, now twice this week, is something that makes the job worthwhile.
"You can have a bad week or a bad month... and one little positive thing happens... one act of kindness from somebody...that can give you a fresh start. That's what Dakota did for me on Saturday," Spears said.
Eventually, Dakota's condition will require a kidney transplant. But for now, his family says the seven-year-old is nothing but positive.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
