Local Police In Florida Take 25 Kids To Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom For First Time

Local Police In Florida Take 25 Kids To Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom For First Time

Cocoa Police Department officers got to witness 25 personally-selected children enter Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for the first time, seeing the light in those children’s eyes and the joy in their hearts as they experienced the Magic in person for their very first time.

The Cocoa Police Department officers selected 25 kids, loaded a bus and headed to Walt Disney World and took those kids to the Magic Kingdom. Many of those kids on the trip had never experienced a Disney Park before this outing that was sponsored by Disney and Cocoa Community First, a non-profit organization that pairs Cocoa Police officers with kids in the community in an effort to build self-esteem, foster friendships, and help young people develop productive life skills.

https://www.facebook.com/CocoaPolice/videos/348530532743378/

“It’s about making them feel special and letting them know we are so very proud of their good behavior and accomplishments,” the Facebook post read. “We are grateful to be able to do this each year.”

Officer Brenda Marchica, Officer James Salley, Officer Sayge Gray, Lieutenant Mike Dellatorre, Officer Donald Tabor, Officer Chris Bradshaw, and Officer Chris Hattaway are some of the very special officers with big hearts who spent the day experiencing the magic of Disney World, riding rides and enjoying attractions of all kinds around the six lands of the Magic Kingdom with 25 kids who are pretty special themselves.

The group ended up having bus trouble while on the Disney property, so Disney was so sweet and kind and sent buses to pick up the kind and friendly officers and kids to help get them on their way to the Magic Kingdom.

The kids and the officers of Cocoa Police Department got to experience all of the Magic Kingdom including experiencing attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, People Mover and Tomorrowland Speedway.

Each of the 25 kids who participated in the day trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth was chosen by Brevard County School prinicpals and teachers because of the kids’ individual accomplishments and behavior.

“The children matter and that’s what we want them to know,” Officer Hattaway shared.

Cocoa Community First sponsors other programs for kids in the community. During the holiday season, thanks to a partnership with Wal-Mart stores, the Shop with a Cop Program pairs kids and Cocoa Police officers who enjoy shopping for anything on the child’s Christmas wish list, up to $125 per child.

Over the summer, Cops and Kids Summer Camp teaches kids new skills, helps them to develop life skills and fosters positive interactions as officers and kids tour area attractions together. The Police Athletic League (PAL) creates positive relationships between local youth and police officers. PAL also encourages healthy self-esteem through team sports and activities that teach the importance of positive life choices.

We tip our hats to the officers serving the kids and families in the community of Cocoa, Florida, and thank them for their time, their service and their dedication.

To learn more about Cocoa Community First, visit their website here.

Source: WFTV News and the Cocoa Police Department

All photos courtesy of Officer Chris Hattaway and the Cocoa Police Department.