Deputy Atticus

I don't think words will do this post justice. In fact, I KNOW words won't do it justice. But I will try. It was amazing. Everything about this day was absolutely amazing. 

Sargent Russell Jacks

Is one AMAZING man. He went above and beyond the call of duty. Big time. Thursday May 17, 2012 will be one of my favorite days for the rest of my life. I thinks its safe to say, in Atticus' life too!

Atticus was SO excited when he saw that "Russell" pulled up in a police RACER!


Sargent Jacks got Atticus his very own uniform with handcuffs and all!


Look out bad guys.... Atticus is on patrol!
Sargent Russell helped Atticus talk on the radio in response to his "Special Assignment" given. He was directed to drive to Town Hall.  Stat!!

I love that he can barely see over the steering wheel. Srgt. Jacks got special permission for Atticus to sit on his lap and help steer. He got to turn on the blinker, the sirens, and use the radio... hearing him say, "240, on our way out" was the cutest thing in the entire world.

Greeting a fellow officer!

Srgt. Jacks put the "pedal to the metal" and Atticus LOVED it. When Srgt. Jacks asked if Atticus wanted to go fast again, he said "no" but when I explained that Russell (that's what Atticus gets to call him) said it was OK to go fast, he was all for it.

 

Sargent Russell thought of everything. He had it set up that Grandma Hansen would leave a few minutes before us and NOT make a complete stop at the stop sign just in front of Town Hall so that Atticus could turn on the lights and "pull her over." 

We pulled in to Town Hall and the entire parking lot was packed with police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, friends, and media. Once we parked, he realized it was Grandma Hansen he had pulled over and laughed and laughed. It was the cutest thing, "It's Grrraaaandma!!! (with lots of giggles). Sargent Russell and Atticus (in my arms) walked up to Grandma's vehicle and asked for her license! It must have been Grandmas sweet smile (or the fact that Atticus really wants her to make cinnamon rolls) that he decided NOT to give her a citation!!

As we walked in to the building, the side walked was lined with officers. I had to really focus on keeping it together. 

Once in, I saw a room full of loved ones. A room full of friends and family that support us, love  us and pray for us. A room full of "Strangers that are now Friends" and my heart was full of gratitude. My heart beating a mile a minute, and lots of tears on the verge of breaking free. Sargent Jacks said he had a "few things up his sleeve" I just didn't realize he meant an absolute dream. It was such an amazing experience. I don't think we will ever be able to repay the City of Sunnyvale, Sargent Jacks, and the many others that put this special day together ( hint hint Contessa and Jene)!

Chief Deputy Marlin Suell led the induction oath and served as moderator, while Sheriff Lupe Valdez was present via teleconference.


 

Mayor Jim Phaup welcomes everyone to the Sunnyvale City Hall.

It is declared that May 20-27, 2012 is
 "Atticus Eric Hansen Week."
(In honor of "Atticus week" we will be wearing GREY RIBBONS all next week. Grey is the color specific to  Brain Tumors. Please wear your own grey ribbon to show your support!)

Deputy Hansen receives his Dallas Sheriff's Department pin.
I love that you can see how happy and proud he is of his accomplishment. 

  

Atticus was showered with gifts: A Dallas Sheriff blanket, a collector police car, a plaque, personalized sheriff star stickers, hats, two framed posters...

 

Giving Isaac a "high-five!"

 

We feel a whole lot safer having a Deputy in the family!

 

Some AMAZING men who worked very hard to make this "Hansen Family Adventure" one of our favorites! It truly was incredible.

 

Atticus being interviewed by the media.
I love that he took the microphone!
 

They asked him how he felt about today... In his soft sweet voice he replied, "Good!"

Everyone laughed!

 

Some of his friends and supporters...

 

As we were walking out, the Police Officers lined the sidewalk  again, and as Atticus was wheeled out they saluted him; and he saluted them. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. It was THE SWEETEST THING. Watching my little Deputy solute his fellow servicemen! I LOVE this day. I LOVE that they thought of every last detail. I LOVE that although Atticus is just little guy, only 4 years old, the Police Department and the City of Sunnyvale, took what could have been thrown together and turned it in to a magical, tender, dream come true! 

Thank you! We love you!

 

Our moment of fame :)

 

"Two-Thumbs-Up!"

Atticus is saluting!

 

Now this, is one good looking officer!


He was really excited to meet Duike, the police dog!

 

 He was pretty excited about his fake fire arm..

 

...Dallas' Finest...

One special visitor and one almost criminal :)
(Thanks for being a good sport Grandma)

 

 

It was one heck of a day! Eric and I just kept looking at each other like, "Is this really happening? This is SO cool!" It was so fun to see Atticus having so much fun. He deserved it. On the drive back, he made himself right at home, turning the sirens on and off, using the radio... he seriously had the best time!

THANK YOU, Sergent Jacks and the Dallas County's Sheriff's Department.
We love you!