Local law enforcement surprise 9-year-old for his birthday

November 19, 2019 | 3:25 am

Updated November 18, 2019 | 9:58 pm

Photos contributed by Jennifer Cox

Jacob Cox had the birthday of a lifetime over the weekend. A huge fan of law enforcement, Jacob was surprised at his party by troopers, officers and deputies with Kentucky State Police, Owensboro Police Department and Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.

Jacob’s mother, Jennifer Cox, said she isn’t sure where her son’s love for police came from, but that Jacob was thrilled last March when Puzzle Pieces Director Amanda Owen arranged a visit between Jacob and OPD’s Sergeant Adam Johnston.

Jacob, who has nonverbal autism, was able to communicate with these officers through a communication device he uses to “talk,” Jennifer said.

“He was very ecstatic to see all of the officers,” she said. “I asked him before his party if he wanted police there, and he nodded his head yes.”

OPD Public Information Officer Andrew Boggess said they received a formal invitation to Jacob’s party — the first birthday party invitation Boggess can remember the department receiving during his tenure at OPD.

After Johnston visited Jacob at Puzzle Pieces, he told Owen he was going to get Jacob to sit in his police cruiser one day.

“He had tried that day, but Jacob is very afraid of loud noises, so he did not want to go near Adam’s car,” Jennifer said. “It was amazing this past Saturday — when Jacob saw Adam and some other officers walk in, he went to the windows to look out at their cars. Adam asked Jacob if he wanted to see his car, and Jacob nodded yes.”

Jennifer said it was amazing to watch her son sit in the cruiser, despite his previous fears. The entire experience was heartwarming for Jacob and his family, as well as for those who volunteered their time to make Jacob’s birthday as special as possible.

Jennifer added that she was grateful for the interest shown by an officer who asked questions regarding her son’s nonverbal autism and communication device.

“It was amazing, not just for Jacob, but for all of us,” Jennifer said. “As his mother, I was especially excited that some of the officers may have also learned a little bit about someone like Jacob — someone that uses a communication device to talk.”

November 19, 2019 | 3:25 am

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