While working my off-duty job last night, I noticed a young boy helping his mother with groceries, and he kept looking at me. I approached them, asked if he liked superheroes, and he said yes. I told him I had something to show him, so he and his mom followed me to my police car. I asked who his favorite superhero was, and he said Batman. I then asked if he’d believe me if I said I was Batman, and he didn’t. I showed him my Batman mask and Batarang. He then started asking about other superhero items I might have in my car. I explained that in real life, all the superheroes are actually just one person, me. He was still unsure, so I did my Batman voice. I gave him a junior police officer sticker, let him sit in my car and turn on the lights, and his mom took a picture. They left, but about fifteen minutes later, he returned with a Sonic Vanilla shake. His mom explained that he insisted on getting me a shake before they went home. This was a first in my seventeen years as an officer. I was truly touched by his thoughtfulness and so happy to have made a positive impact on him.
