RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) -- Being a dad is not necessarily about the DNA, and our fourth story this week on dads who make a difference proves it. Today's story takes us to Russellville, where tough guys who take on criminals and blazing buildings are showing a softer side.
Father's day is special for children and their day, but what about those fathers who are far away or unable to spend this special time with their children. Friday, Firefighters and Police officers kicked off "adopt a dad" at Michild Enrichment Center in Russellville to put father figures into the lives of children who may not have them.
Russellville Police Chief Tom McMillan is a busy man, making Calls and chasing bad guys. But Friday, he is wearing a different hat. MiChild Enrichment Center in Russellville is celebrating father's day, but not all dads can make it to the party so Firefighters and police officers are stepping in. "We're out here interacting with the children in our community, we are representing father's day and are a presence and a father figure for some of these children."
Kara Cobb came up with the "adopt a dad" idea after seeing many dads weren't able to make it out to the father's day party. "This makes the children who have no one in their lives that this is someone there for them and they can see the fire department, police officers as heroes and someone they can turn too."
Many kids gave the officers gifts and drawings. Chief McMillien has three grown children 364 days out of the year, but Friday he has an extra three year old. "I don't have any grandchildren yet so this kind of gives me some reminiscing of my children when they were younger, I feel warm and good inside."
This is Chief McMillen's first and last "adopt a dad" day, he is retiring next month and moving to Florida. Chief McMillen has been with the force for 29 years. He served as chief for five years.