Nine-year-old Colin Hayward Toland has had a difficult start to life.
After the discovery of a malignant brain tumor at the age of two, Colin has had to undergo a number of brain surgeries, as well as chemotherapy.
But now, at the age of nine, Colin is beginning fourth grade at Northeast Elementary School in Ithaca, New York. And though his journey to this point has been both difficult and unique, he is about to get one great honor that many nine-year-olds can only dream of.
The incredible folks at the Ithaca Police Department presented Colin with his very own uniform for his ninth birthday, and announced this week that Colin will be receiving the title of Honorary Ithaca Police Officer in an upcoming ceremony.
Colin has dreamed of becoming a police officer, and now his dream is coming true thanks to these amazing officers.
Scroll through below to hear how the Ithaca Police are honoring this brave little boy, and to see stunning photos of their support for he and his family.
What do you think of these caring officers and this strong young boy? Let us know in the comments.
[H/T: ABC News]
While nine-year-old Colin Hayward Toland has had a rough start to life, undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy to treat his rare brain tumor, he has remained strong and brave, thanks in large part to the support of his family and community.
The Ithaca Police Department has been particularly active in showing how much little Colin means to the community.
Though Colin was in the middle of radiation on his actual birthday, June 12, the officers helped him to celebrate at his birthday party on August 27.
He wasn't feeling too well in the morning, but he was feeling better and able to celebrate later in the day.
With so much love and support coming his way from these officers, particularly on his ninth birthday, Colin couldn't wait to become a member of the force himself.
According to ABC News, Colin asked his mother, Tamiko, "Have they ever hired a cop who has a brain tumor?"
So the officers not only presented him with his own uniform on his birthday, but thanks to Police Chief John Barber and the rest of the force, Colin is about to officially get his wish on September 12.
The Ithaca Police Department posted a press release on Facebook, writing:
"Chief Barber is pleased to announce that Colin's dream of becoming a police officer is going to come true!
"On September 12th at 11:30 am, Colin will be sworn in as an Honorary Police Officer for the Ithaca Police Department."
The press release continues:
"Colin's custom uniform and custom badge have arrived, and the final pieces of the ceremony have been planned."
ABC News reports that hundreds of people are expected to attend, along with quite a few of Colin's police officer friends.
The Ithaca Police Department writes:
"Though Colin has been through so much — perhaps in part because of it — he has always wanted to help people and contribute to his community.
"This summer, he decided that he wanted to become a police officer, and he is very excited to start his new career, which he plans on balancing with his continued studies at Northeast Elementary School."
Though this brave young boy has been through quite a lot, he is about to get an incredibly special honor thanks to his loving family and the support of the Ithaca Police Department.
It just goes to show that a supportive and caring community can go a long way towards making a difference in the life of a child.
What do you think of these amazing officers and this strong young boy? Let us know in the comments.
And please SHARE with anyone who could use a little inspiration today!
