FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Police officers in Farmington Hills turned an accidental 911 call into a memorable birthday celebration for a local family.
The unexpected chain of events began when 4-year-old Micah dialed 911 while his father was doing laundry. When dispatch returned the call, they discovered the toddler simply wanted to share his enthusiasm for soccer and swimming.
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Two patrol units responded to the home to conduct a standard welfare check. Rather than reprimanding the young caller, officers invited Micah and his brother Mitch to explore their patrol vehicles.
The impromptu visit took an unexpected turn when the officers learned Mitch would celebrate his seventh birthday the following day. One officer hinted at a possible return visit.
Officer Michael El-Hage was dispatched to the home after the unusual call from four-year-old Micah. He said Micah and Mitch immediately grew on him, reminding him of his own son.
When Micah mentioned that Mitch’s birthday party was happening the next day, El-Hage got the idea to send the family a surprise.
“I just said I’ll see you guys tomorrow, just kept it vague just in case because you never know if you’re going to be busy the next day,” El-Hage said. “My plan was to maybe get them something for soccer.”
Sunday night, El-Hage and several more officers came back to the house for Mitch’s birthday party. Officers gave Mitch a new soccer net and played a game with him.
The celebration included presenting the birthday boy with an honorary officer badge and a plastic police hat.
“I just did it for the kids honestly,” El-Hage said. ”I just see my son there, so being a dad I think everyday I can understand that that’s what it’s about for me.”
The gesture exemplified community policing at its finest, though the officers involved sought no recognition for their acts of kindness.
“It’s something my sons will never forget,” their father said. “We are extremely thankful to the Farmington Hills Police Department for showing so much kindness and love.”