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Nobody Comes to Bullied 9-Year-Old’s Birthday Party. Cop Shows Up With His Friends for the Surprise Party of a Lifetime!

Nine-year-old Thomas Daniel had no idea he was being watched by officer Austin Lynema as he chased after the school bus that drove off without him. But thankfully, this angel in a cop car was about to make his day in more ways than one.

Austin asked the boy if he needed any help, and after Thomas told him his mom doesn’t have a car, the officer kindly offered to take him to school himself.

During the ride in the squad car, the two struck up a conversation in which Thomas revealed that it was his birthday. He invited Austin and all the police officers to come to his birthday party after school.

The 9-year-old’s plea tugged on Austin’s heartstrings after he found out nobody else may be showing up to his party since he’s bullied at school.

Sadly, Thomas’ prediction was correct…

When the officer showed up to the party with his colleague, he noticed they were the only ones in attendance with the exception of Thomas’ siblings.

Austin’s heart broke for the little guy — so he decided to whip up a spectacular surprise that surely made this deserving boy’s ninth birthday one to remember!

“The next day, myself and couple other partners brought some Krispy Kreme donuts personalized for him with ‘Happy Birthday,’ a Grand Rapids Police goodie bag full of shirts, stickers, hats, [and] toys,” said Austin in an interview. “We gave him a chance to run around with the car and hit some lights and sirens and play with it, and put on the heavy vest. They all had a good time with it.”

birthday party

When Thomas’ mother answered the unexpected knock at the door, her son was elated that this stranger-turned-friend would go so far above and beyond to make his birthday special.

“When Austin came over, no one was at my birthday party because everyone had to go somewhere, to their friends’ houses and play. But no one came to my birthday,” explained Thomas. “So Austin decided to bring his friends along, and then we celebrated my birthday. It was really much really fun. We got to play in the car.”

But to Thomas, Austin is more than just some police officer who gave him a fun birthday celebration. He’s a role model and a true hero that he aspires to be like.

“Austin, he never lets kids down,” said Thomas. “He never let them down. He’s a hero… I’m just like Austin sometimes. I love to help other kids in school. I never let other kids go down, I never let anyone get bullied, and I’m a hero just like Austin.”

Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey is an editor at Outreach. She’s passionate about fear fighting, freedom writing, and the pursuit of excellence in the name of crucifying perfectionism. Glitter is her favorite color, 2nd only to pink, and 3rd only to pink glitter.

“It’s Not Easy”: An Honest Letter to My Husband on Valentine’s Day

"Here we are, 24 times we have celebrated Valentine’s Day... I feel like I am just lately really getting to know you."

Jimmy Carter: A Life of Faith, Service, and Legacy

Longest-living President Jimmy Carter has lived an incredible life rooted in deep Christian faith. From his time as the 39th President of the United States to his global humanitarian efforts, Jimmy Carter's legacy is one that honors God and country.

Lauren Daigle Returns to the ‘American Idol’ Stage That Rejected Her to Sing Multi-Platinum Hit “Look Up, Child”

Lauren Daigle returned to 'American Idol' to perform her hit song "Look Up, Child" for millions of fans—some in the audience and some watching from home.