Police escort son of fallen officer to first day of kindergarten

DALLAS (WFAA) – Members of law enforcement escorted the son of a fallen police officer to his first day of school in Dallas.

It was a special day for a special little boy, the first day of kindergarten for Nico DeLaRocha.

Sunnyvale and Dallas police officers, including Dallas Police Department’s mounted patrol, showed up before the first bell.

“It’s a big day for him. It’s kindergarten, and we wanted to come out and show our support, which the officers achieved.” Dallas police Sgt. George Aranda said.

Nico’s father, Dallas police Sr. Cpl. Jose DeLaRocha, died suddenly last August.

“He was playing with his son in the kitchen that morning and passed out, and his son Nico, who we are escorting this morning, goes up to his mom and says, ‘Daddy’s on the floor,’” Aranda said.

DeLaRocha suffered a fatal heart attack and didn’t get to share the special moment with his son.

So, Dallas Police Department officers stepped in to escort Nico to his first day of class.

Chief Eddie Garcia was there to hold his hand.

“Walking this little boy to school, holding his hand, the smile on his face, I hope he always knows we are family,” Garcia said.

It was emotional for Nico’s mother and the officers as they surrounded him with love and support.

Garcia, who also got emotional, said he wanted to be there, not only as an officer but as a father figure.

“I know as a father, his dad would have given anything to be here, so I know he’s looking down and he’s smiling today,” Garcia added.

And that is how officers remember DeLaRocha, always with a big smile and a big heart that lives on in his little boy.