The Cop That Had To Tell A Teen His Parents Were Killed Joins Him On Stage At Graduation

June 6, 2015

For Kazzie Portie, the unthinkable happened just a few days before his high school graduation - both of his parents were killed on their motorcycle by a drunk driver.

Officer Eric Ellison was given the responsibility to inform their children about the tragedy. What he did for Kazzie - who was alone when the news was delivered - is so heartwarming.

cop hug at graduation of boy who lost his parents
Credit: Blake Henning

Ellison told BuzzFeed that Kazzie mentioned not knowing what to do about his graduation coming up in a few days. Ellison's response to him was, "You are going to walk! Your mom and dad will have front-row seats looking down from heaven, and I'll stand in their place. I've got your back."

After being handed his diploma, Kazzie found Ellison waiting at the end of the stage for him and received a 40-second standing ovation, which his brother Blake captured on video.

This was such a special moment. Thank you class of 2015 for making this such a memorable occasion for our family. So...

Posted by Blake Henning on Saturday, May 30, 2015

"Seeing Officer Ellison there to congratulate me meant the world to me. It was so nice to see that he actually showed a genuine care for me and my family's situation instead of us just being another case," Kazzie said.

Ellison, who has an 18-year-old daughter who graduated this year as well, says that by standing with Kazzie on that stage, he did what he would want someone to do for his daughter if he were to have passed away - he was there to support him on "his day to shine."


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesMy Girlfriend Gifted Me My Father’s Handwriting To Keep Forever

feel good storiesWe Can’t Stop Looking At These Adorable Baby Loon Photos Taken On A Lake

feel good storiesThis Couple Built A Grass Patch For Their Cat, And She’s Obsessed With It

feel good storiesThis All-Black ‘Goth House’ In Indiana Is Going Viral. Wait Until You See The Inside

feel good storiesMeet Igor: The Fluffy Poltergeist Dog With The Most Unhinged Adoption Bio Ever

feel good videoBaby Elephant’s Trunk Steals The Show In Adorable Treat Time Video

feel good videoWhat Happens When A Man With A Hose Meets A Group of Kids? Pure Magic

feel good videoChicken Or Pigeon? The Internet Can’t Believe This Bird Is Real

feel good videoMom Surprises 4-Year-Old Son With First Apartment After 14 Months In Homeless Shelter

feel good videoBear Vs. Sprinkler: Hilarious Garden Moment Caught On Camera

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me