What do cops do off duty?
A little boy…
and his dream for “someday”!
The cold gray skies of winter took a break that afternoon allowing the sun to beam down on the procession of about 17 squad cars with their lights flashing as they traveled along Highway 19... probably spreading concern to oncoming vehicles who immediately pulled over to squat on their side of road... perhaps wondering if they had missed the warning of a huge accident or emergency evacuation.
What it was…
But it was one of the activities that Goodhue County Deputy Tom Wolner explained that cops like to take part in best. Goodhue County Sheriff Deputies, Cannon Falls Police Officers, State Troopers, along with Red Wing and Prairie Island Police came on their personal time.
They were chauffeuring a young ten year old boy from his school, Burnside Elementary near Red Wing to his home in Cannon Falls where they were honoring him for his efforts to help others suffering from difficulties like his and also to help encourage him in his upcoming surgery resulting from his injuries.
What had happened…
Gage Robinson suffers from “Shaken Baby Syndrome” which he received due to vigorous shaking when he was 10 weeks old. His mother, Penny, explained that Gage has vision impairment, some responses similar to cerebral palsy, anxiety, OCD tendencies and difficulties because part of his brain died in the shaking.
Penny had been told in the hospital they didn’t think her child would live through the night. Following this she was informed that he would be a “vegetable”.
Gage is now 10 years old and because of his efforts to improve his situation along with the help of professionals, he is spearheading fundraising and education for the causes and groups that have helped him and others.
But there are problems…
Gage still has his own problems to deal with. Later this month he will be having extensive leg surgery.
His therapy is almost a full time job, Penny explained. Besides physical problems Gage works on his “memory recall”.
It’s not an option…
And his mother doesn’ t want him to feel sorry for himself. So when he hits a low time she encourages him by asking, “Now what are we going to do to make this better?”
Gage also dreams of becoming a police officer. So members of his family thought he would like to receive police patches to encourage him.
The plan is formed…
This is where former Cannon Falls police officer, now Goodhue County Deputy Mike Ayers comes in. When he found out about Gage’s situation, he sent out a call to surrounding agencies for the escort and support.
Deputy Wolner then designed and ordered the "special" badge for Gage, to give him as an honorary deputy. This was made possible through donations by sheriff's office employees in the Administration, Investigation, Patrol and Dispatch divisions.
The agencies also provided other gifts showing their support and “welcoming him and his mother into our family!”
Wolner added, “Law Enforcement can be a challenging and rewarding career and participating in details such as this is one of the greatest honors we have. It was a great event and it was truly a humbling experience shared by the participating Agencies!”
For more information go to Facebook page:
Gage Gives Back.
For video see below
