NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – In honor of National Foster Care Month, we asked North Little Rock Police Officer Tommy Norman to help inspire 12-year-old Nathaniel, an Arkansas foster child.
The boy's dream is to one day protect and serve, but even more than that, he wants a place to call home. For just one afternoon, Nathaniel's dream came true, as he shadowed Ofc. Norman through his shift.
"I'll go ahead and give you a heads up now - stay in school, choose the right friends,” Ofc. Norman said.
Nathaniel wants to be a police officer, which is why Ofc. Norman took him out to show him the ropes.
“What really touched me most is Nathaniel told me the reason that he wants to be an officer is to help people," Ofc. Norman said.
Which is what Nathaniel did that day, checking in on people in Ofc. Norman’s patrol area. Ofc. Norman was also impressed by his good manners, using “yes sir” and “no ma’am” throughout their day.
PHOTOS | 12-year-old foster kid takes ride with Officer Norman
“It was fun, my first time to ever ride in a police car," Nathaniel said. "I want to be a police officer for my dream.”
This is a big dream for a young boy from a broken home. Nathaniel’s brother was adopted without him, and now he’s searching for a new family and home.
“Where I can have a real family and live with them,” Nathaniel said. “[But] I don’t know what that is.”
Ofc. Norman said Nathaniel’s goal to serve, despite the hardships he’s gone through at such a young age, is truly powerful. Nathaniel followed Ofc. Norman for a full-service tour of all-things-law, ending with an official North Little Rock Police Department coin and patch.
Nathaniel said he just wants people to know that he really is a good person, and for us to help him find a home.
We’d like to thank Ofc. Norman for mentoring Nathaniel. We are partnered with the Arkansas Department of Human Services to bring you Nathan's story, and others who are up for adoption.