Officer Jerrick Wilson needed backup during an emergency. An eleven year old kid named Joshua Brown responded to the call and put himself on the line for the Arlington Cop. This kid’s got what it takes to wear the uniform someday.
Joshua’s little gesture went viral.
Officer Wilson was an Honor Guard for the Fourth of July parade. He was tasked with holding the US flag for the ceremony. You can imagine the pride and honor Jerrick felt. Not everyone gets to hold the stars and stripes while walking down the city’s streets.
There was a problem though. Jerrick’s shoelaces were untied. Now a flag gets heavier as you walk along. Imagine him tripping on his laces with the flag falling on a dirty street. Unacceptable.
Another officer approached Joshua and asked him if he could tie Wilson’s laces.
“It kind of made me really nervous.”
Brown said.
He went ahead and tied Wilson’s laces. People captured the sweet gesture and it spread on social media. The boy who saved the parade it would seem.
Officer Wilson was grateful.
“I needed help tying my shoe and it was a small gesture. I had a long way in the parade to go and it definitely saved me from dealing with a headache of worrying about my shoe coming off while carrying a U.S. flag.”
Josh went from parade spectator to internet sensation in just a few seconds. Parade attendee Wendy Smith snapped the photo of the now iconic moment and it captured hearts across the nation.
Jerrick really wanted to meet the young man who responded to his call for backup.
And they did over the long weekend. The youngster was understandably nervous. But Wilson was all smiles.
Wilson shook hands with the entire family. The man is a military hero, DUI officer, and honor guard. And yet he remains a humble man in uniform, gladly taking the time to meet Josh and the whole family.
And how fitting that it happened on the Fourth of July. A viewer commented,
“God bless this young man and a great Patriot. He must have wonderful and loving parents.”
That he does.
And you know who else was proud? Grandpa!
Josh hooked up those laces with a double knot to make sure they don’t come undone during the parade. He may have been nervous when asked to tie Wilson’s laces but the kid still used his head. Smart move!
The Arlington Police Department and the city council honored Josh with Aug. 20 being “Joshua Brown Kindness Day”.
Chief Will Johnson gave Josh a Chief’s Challenge Coin. He also received gifts from the NYPD and other police departments across America. Josh’s school, Hill Elementary, also designated each Tuesday for that school year as Joshua Brown Kindness Day.
Josh is involved in his school’s safety patrol. Fitting as the young man wants to be a police officer someday.
He’ll certainly make a fine cop. Josh tells Jerrick and the officer tells his young friend that it’s an awesome job. And Josh being so humble and selfless, will be a great cop. He’s got big shoes to fill but that won’t be a problem for this Arlington prodigy.
Future officer Brown to the rescue! Watch Josh’s selfless gesture below!
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