Everyone has a dream that’s been with them since childhood. And for 42-year-old Erika Benning, this dream is becoming a police officer. This year, Benning finally achieved this life-long dream!
The day Benning was waiting for happened on January 31, 2020. It was the day that she was to receive her badge and will officially become a member of the Irving Police Department.
It was a momentous day for Benning. However, she knew that the celebration will not be complete because of her only son, Sgt. Giovanni Pando, was not around to witness her swearing-in ceremony. This cast a shadow in the supposedly happy occasion, but Benning knew that his son was away for good reason.
Benning initially planned to go to the military earlier in her life. But, in her early 20’s, Benning got pregnant and had Pando, and knew that her dreams can wait and her family comes first. It was not until Pando finally graduated and joined the army that Benning decided to revisit her dream and make a move to realize it.
Pando was excited when he learned about his mom finally achieving her dream of becoming a member of the police force.
Although the 21-year-old was away in Germany where he has been stationed for about two years, Pando’s heart and thoughts are with his mom and her amazing dedication to her chosen field of service. Or, at least that’s what his mom thought.
What everyone did not know was that Pando had other plans for his mother’s special day. He was constantly in communication with his mom, but he purposely left one major detail in his life. And that incredible surprise took place on Benning’s swearing-in ceremony.
Just as her husband was pinning her police badge on her chest, the person she did not expect to see―but hope she would―was right in front of her! Pando was there for her and it was the most touching reunion.
Benning could not believe her eyes when she saw Pando enter the room in his military uniform. She was pleasantly surprised and her happiness can be seen in her huge smile.
It was such a big day for her and seeing her son come to this momentous occasion made things even more incredible. Benning and her son were away from each other for so long, and to be reunited in such a special moment was everything that this mother and son could hope for.
Pando had the chance to pin his mother’s badge and they shared such a sweet reunion as a family and finally, as colleagues!
“She’s never let something stop her from achieving what she wants,” Pando shared with FOX6Now. “That’s always something she’s preached to me: If you want something, work for it, and you’ll achieve your goal.”
Benning was absolutely thrilled by this amazing surprise.
“The only other moment that I will never forget that is more meaningful than this was the day I gave birth to him,” Benning said. “So this moment of him pinning my badge I have to say is up there with that.”
Her new career could never have gotten a better way to start. Her family matters to her so much, and to have her son and husband with her on her big day is such a sweet reward that she will surely remember.
Later that day, Benning expressed her gratitude on a Facebook post to show how happy she is to finally become a member of the police force and treat them as her own family.
“I have no words to describe how I feel about choosing this department to work for,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “My heart is filled with so much love and happiness. I have no doubt that everyone at Irving PD is family.”
Benning is starting a new career, but we have no doubt that she will do great! After all, she is an amazing woman and mother and she deserves to have all the respect and blessings in her chosen field of service.
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