Kindergartner Gets Special Police Welcome on First Day of School After His Father Died in the Line of Duty

Five-year-old Riley Cottongim received a special police welcome for his first day of kindergarten.

Good Morning America (GMA) reported on the emotional Kentucky scene after about two dozen Louisville Metro Police officers greeted him outside the school in the area where his father served before being killed in the line of duty.

The Louisville Metro Police Department celebrated the event by posting pictures to Facebook and writing, “Riley has a great support system in place and we hope he has a great day today!!!”

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According to police records, Riley’s father, “Officer Zachary Cottongim was struck and killed by an automobile as he attended to a wrecked vehicle on the side of I-64 West near the Mellwood Avenue exit.”

This occurred on Dec. 18, 2021. But Cottongim’s brothers and sisters in blue have not forgotten his family. 

His wife and Riley’s mother, Jamie Cottongim, told GMA she was shocked to see the officers present for Riley’s first day of school. 

She said, “He had an amazing day. He told me it was the best day ever.”

“His teacher also told me that by the time he got to class he had the biggest smile on his face,” she added.

Jamie Cottongim also noted how her husband was “so excited” about Riley starting school and often looked forward to it.