Central Point, Ore.– With a spreading discord against law enforcement across the nation, one Central Point father decided to curb his own child’s fear of those in uniform in a unique way.
When Central Point resident Daryl Griggs heard from his wife that his son hid in a closet from a police officer, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
“I don’t ever want my kids to be scared of the people that protect us,” Daryl Griggs said.
Central Point resident Daryl Griggs says his son needs to know he has no reason to be afraid of law enforcement.
He says they are just people who have chosen their careers like anyone else.
“Some of the officers are having so many issues in other parts of the country but I don’t live there… so why would we be that angry here,” Daryl Griggs said.
When Daryl discovered his 5-year-old son’s fear of police, he took him to the Central Point Police Station.
He thought his son Daniel would simply talk with an officer, but instead they got a full-fledged tour.
Lieutenant Brian Day led the father and son through the station.
“The fact that a father was trying to address or dispel some of those fears that might perpetuate in a young person–in his son–was incredibly impressive,” Lieutenant Brian Day said.
In light of recent national events, Lieutenant Day says this small gesture by a father goes a long way in their efforts to create trust.
“Our objective is to work with the community and partner with them and build that trust,” Lieutenant Day said.
Daryl and his son met officers and saw the evidence area.
But Daniel’s favorite part?
“That I got to play with the lights,” Daniel Griggs said.
In other words… playing in the patrol car.
By the end of the tour, Lieutenant Day says Daniel seemed far from scared.
“We’re walking out and he goes ‘hey daddy, I think I want to be a policeman when I grow up,'” Daryl Griggs said.
Daniel’s dad says he wanted to go back to the police station the very next day to see his new friends.
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