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."