This is the heartwarming moment dozens of Florida police officers come together to celebrate the birthday of a fallen cop’s daughter.
Unique Howard had her 17th birthday on Monday – two days after her father passed away.
Kissimmee Police Sgt. Richard ‘Sam’ Howard, 36, and Matthew Baxter, 27, were shot Friday night.
The two died in a possible ambush while responding to a call complaining of questionable activity on Cypress Street, Kissimmee Police Chief Jeff O’Dell told the New York Times.
Sgt. Howard was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center and died the next day, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
He was with the force for ten years.
Former marine Everett Glenn Miller, 45, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the crime.
Sgt. Richard ‘Sam’ Howard, 36, was shot on Friday night in a routine stop. He died the following day
Because Unique’s birthday was so close to her father’s passing Florida law enforcement from Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Kissimmee Police Department, St Cloud Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office decided to throw her a surprise party at the Publix where she works in St Cloud, Florida.
Officers planned to surprise Unique at her family’s home, but her mother said Unique insisted on going to work, Stacie Miller, Kissimmee Police spokeswoman, told the Orlando Sentinel.
Stacie continued: ‘She’s a very strong lady.’
In the video a deputy tells Unique that her ‘law enforcement family wanted to wish her a happy birthday’ and immediately after Unique’s colleagues and officers start singing happy birthday.
Law enforcement celebrated Unique’s 17th birthday at the Publix where she works in St Cloud
When the crowd finishes singing, the deputy says to Unique: ‘From now and forever, you don’t stand alone.’
‘You don’t suffer alone, you’re never alone because all of these people are here for you and here to protect you.’
Unique is then given a Law Enforcement Memorial Coin, a Thin Blue Line bracelet and a birthday cake.
Unique was given a Law Enforcement Memorial Coin, a Thin Blue Line bracelet and a birthday cake
All smiles: Unique was appreciative of her ‘law enforcement family’ celebrating her birthday