(Editor’s note: This story was submitted by St. Joseph resident Rachael Mixteco to thank police departments in our towns, cities and states for the outstanding work and effort they put forward every day to keep us safe.)
Rachael Mixteco, St. Joseph
Our son Elijah turned 6 today. He had one wish — a wish to take two of our town cops out to breakfast. Without Elijah’s knowledge, I, his mother, contacted our chief of police, Joel Klein, and told him about Elijah’s wish. Joel was shocked when I told him Elijah’s wish, said “Let’s do it!” and “We’re not letting him down!” So this morning, on Chief Klein’s day off, he came to town in uniform with his squad car and rang our doorbell. Elijah answered the door and was speechless. He was so excited! Chief Klein told Elijah they were going to breakfast to celebrate his birthday and that he wanted him to ride along in his car with him. Elijah was so happy at this point. Chief Klein also asked big sister, Aaliyah, 12, if she would like to ride along, too, and so they did. Elijah got to escort Aaliyah to the squad car and put her in the squad back seat where she “couldn’t” get out, for fun. All three ventured on their way to our local Kay’s Kitchen restaurant for breakfast, while my husband and I followed in our car from behind.
Upon arrival at Kay’s Kitchen, another local cop, Dan Magaard, also surprised Elijah with his visit for breakfast. We all sat and visited for breakfast while Elijah got to play with handcuffs, a flashlight, a baton and more as he checked out Chief Klein’s belt. Once breakfast was done, Elijah took his money and paid the cashier for their breakfast.
This is what needs to be shown. This officer came in on his day off to greet our son and make his day, not to mention a lifetime memory. We thank the police department for their outstanding work in our city.
Elijah, 6, autographs a drawing he drew over the summer for Police Chief Joel Klein. The day the Philando Castile news was on television with an emphasis of violence toward cops, Elijah sat down at the kitchen table and started drawing. He wanted to show the police that he cared, hence the big heart next to the officer.
Elijah and St. Joseph Police Chief Klein pose with Elijah’s drawing. Klein will be moving into his new office this winter and plans to hang the picture on his wall.
St. Joseph Police Chief Joel Klein surprises Elijah the morning of his sixth birthday.