Toledo Officer Cheers With Former Squad at Homecoming

A Toledo police officer, Brooklyn Esser, joined the Whitmer High School cheer squad during its homecoming football game after her former coach invited her onto the sidelines. Esser, who cheered at the school less than 10 years ago, performed the fight-song routine in uniform while working security. Students said the moment celebrated the lasting bond among cheerleaders and made officers seem more approachable. Esser said she hoped it would show young people that police officers are people too and encourage them to pursue their interests.