ORLANDO, Fla. – The family of a fallen police officer got a special escort for the first day of school.
Orlando police officers were alongside the sons of Kevin Valencia as they began their classes in first grade and sixth grade, respectively.
Valencia was shot and critically injured in the line of duty in June 2018. He died from his injuries nearly three years later.
His widow, Meghan Valencia, was with her sons, Kaleb and Kolton, as they were escorted to school on Monday.
“It’s always difficult because their dad should be here, and it’s always hard walking them in and knowing that they’re missing him,” Meghan Valencia said. “They always say, ‘I wish daddy could be here,’ and I don’t really have an answer for them because I wish he could, too.”
Kevin Valencia’s brothers and sisters in blue have vowed to be there for big moments in the lives of his children. They have walked Kaleb and Kolton to school for their first day every year since kindergarten.
“It’s awesome having all of the officers kind of come in,” Valencia said. “I think it gives them that spirit of like, ‘I have everybody behind my back. I’m going to be fine.’”
Meghan Valencia said it’s that support that helps her family thrive in the wake of tragedy, knowing there are many who will always be there when it matters the most.
“I want them to know that the strength of their dad is still with us, and I firmly believe that Kevin is right here with me,” she said.