A Michigan police officer went the extra mile to help members of the community when he came across a social media post concerning a 7-year-old boy with Down syndrome who lost the iPad he used to communicate.
Taylor Police Officer Jasper Mercure was scrolling through Facebook when he saw a post by Christy Warren, WXYZ-TV reports. She wrote about how her son, Cylis, had lost the tablet he uses to communicate while the family was at local business.
Warren hoped the post would connect with someone who had found the device, and she even offered a $100 reward for its return. And although he didn't know where the lost iPad was, Mercure was still moved to do something.
"One of my siblings is disabled, and I guess you can say I have a soft spot for people who are mentally and physically handicapped," said Mercure.
The officer got in touch with colleagues on his shift and asked if they would help. In less than 24 hours, Mercure had rounded up 15 members of the department, as well as another individual, and ordered the new tablet for the Warrens.
"I'm just still in awe that they did that for my child," said Warren. "Just pure gratitude that there are kind people out there that just see a kid that needs help, and they just spring into action."
With his new tablet, Cylis was back working at the family-run lemonade stand, which not only sells lemonade but also raises awareness for Down Syndrome.
"If you see us, come grab a lemonade," she said. "We'll talk about Down syndrome — I've got stories for hours."
