The end of August means many students are heading back to school, some for the first time. This milestone day can be difficult if one has lost a parent. The La Vergne Police Department in the Nashville, Tennessee, area stepped up for one kindergarten student who recently lost her father so she would not feel alone on her big first day.
Kindergartener Anna Stolinsky received a police escort on her first day. A video posted to the La Vergne Police Department’s Facebook page shows this adorable girl dressed in her school uniform walking down two rows of police officers there to wish her well. She gives them high fives, hugs her family, and is eventually walked into school by an officer.
Anna’s father, the late Lieutenant Kevin Jay Stolinsky, died of a medical emergency while on duty in November 2021. Speaking at Kevin’s funeral, La Vergne Police Chief Chip Davis remembered him “as kind, goal-oriented and gentle, someone who would do anything for you.” Chip added, “We're going to miss you.”
Kevin’s brother David Stolinsky, who is an officer in Wilson County, takes comfort knowing his brother died doing what he loved. During his final shift, Kevin was taking part in bereavement visits for families of fallen officers. "He was supporting families of police officers. He was encouraging families of police officers. That's the family business."
Supporting Anna on her first day was a beautiful way for Kevin’s colleagues and fellow officers to honor his memory. Anna and her family surely felt loved. This is a wonderful way to start a new school year.
