DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Students in Ohio wrote and decorated about 1,000 cards in honor of a police detective who was shot last month.
Students across the Miami Valley sent the cards to detective Jorge Del Rio's family and the Dayton Police department, the Dayton Daily News reported. Del Rio was shot at an Ohio home while serving a drug-related warrant on Nov. 4. He died after being taken off life support.
The children also gave Dayton police several gifts, including a blanket with a photo of Del Rio on it.
Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl said the children's letters have meant so much to the department.
"Kids have a way of saying things and expressing them that is so earnest, that is so true, that is so heartfelt," Biehl said. "Can't help to be moved by them."
The event was directed by West Milton resident Lori Baker who dropped the letters off at the police station on Friday.
The Del Rio family wasn't at the station when the letters were dropped off, but they have previously said how much they appreciate people who have shown support.
"For every deed that has been done, large or small, for every thought and prayer meant to uplift us, Thank you," the family said in a previous statement. "We are so grateful to everyone who has reached out and shown up. So from the bottom of our broken hearts, thank you."
