Policeman Turns Solo Birthday Party Into Unforgettable Celebration

When nine-year-old Thomas Daniel rushed to his bus stop on a chilly winter morning, he had no idea that someone was watching him across the street. Officer Austin Lynam noticed Thomas's distress as he missed his bus and had to turn back home. 'What's waiting for him at home?' wondered Lynam as he pulled his patrol car alongside Thomas and asked if he needed help.

'Seeing a nine-year-old with a giant backpack chasing a bus driver who didn't notice him broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I tried honking to stop the bus, but it didn't work,' Lynam recalled.

As they walked back home, the two struck up a conversation. When Thomas mentioned that he never missed a day of school, 'even though my mom can't afford a car to drive me,' Lynam was even more moved. After reaching Thomas's house, Lynam offered to give him a lift to school, and his mom agreed.

During the ride, Thomas shared with the officer that it was his ninth birthday and invited him to his party after school.

What Thomas didn't tell Lynam was how he often faced bullying and exclusion from his peers. 'I can't quite explain it, but I knew I had to be at Thomas's party,' said Lynam, who later showed up at Thomas's house that afternoon only to find no classmates and no birthday cake.

'It hurt to see that, but I knew I wouldn't let it end there. I planned a surprise birthday bash for Thomas with my fellow officers.'

The next day, Lynam and his fellow police officers showed up at Thomas's school, waiting for him after school ended. They made it clear to everyone that they were there for this special kid who was often alone, but not on this day. 'Thomas couldn't have anticipated the surprise,' Lynam happily recalled. 'We waited for him at the school entrance with a cake, gifts, and even a band that performed just for him.'

At the party, Thomas received a big bag full of surprises and toys popular with kids his age, and even a special shirt that read 'Happy Birthday, Thomas.'

'There are a lot of kids at school who are happy for me because of Austin. He's a hero,' Thomas said. 'I'll never forget this birthday,' he concluded.