Three-year-old honored for 'selfless act' for slain Ga. officer

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia boy who stood at attention during the funeral procession of a fallen west Georgia officer has been given a gift by the sheriff’s department.

On Tuesday, the Floyd County Sheriff’s department gave three-year-old Cohen a personalized electric toy police car, according to the department’s Facebook page. Cohen saluted and waved on the street earlier this month as cops honored their fallen comrade, Det. Kristen Hearne.

“We wanted to bless Cohen for his selfless act of support and love,” a post on the department’s Facebook page said. “But, once again, we were blessed by him beyond measure.”

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After Cohen received the police car, which included a personalized ‘Deputy Cohen’ sticker on the front windshield and flashing red and blue lights, he led those in attendance in a rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Hearne, 29, was shot four times and killed Sept. 29, when she was providing backup during a call about a stolen vehicle in Polk County. Seth Brandon Spangler fired on the officers killing Hearne.

Hearne, who started her law enforcement career with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, left behind a husband and a three-year-old son of her own.

Cohen's mother, Mandy Brooks Chastain, told Channel Action 2 News earlier this month why the young boy felt the need to salute the passing officers.

“Cohen has always looked up to police officers. He is so sweet and has always had the biggest heart,” she said. “He loves superheroes and thinks of police officers as real life superheros.”

Chastain told the station that Cohen wanted to attend the procession in “uniform,” to honor the fallen officer.

“He stood out there on that stool for hours saluting each officer that came by,” she said. “He made us so proud.”

Cox Media Group