Officer Bennett Saves the Day!

When Lindsey, Bennett's mom, was 20-weeks pregnant she and her husband, Scott, learned that Bennett was expected to be born with a congenital heart disorder. Their lives were instantly changed. This meant a life of medical treatments for their son. Today, Bennett has already had four major surgeries. His first open-heart surgery was performed when his heart was the size of a walnut. He has spent countless hours in the hospital, poked and prodded and hooked to wires. Bennett's critical illness had a major impact on the whole family, requiring Lindsey to stay home from work to care for Bennett full time.

Bennett loved to play with toy cars while in the hospital to pass time. He had a toy police car that he used to chase other cars. This sparked his imagination. When he noticed that real police cars have flashing lights, he was really hooked!

Despite the challenges of his medical condition, Bennett's fighting spirit is strong. Dreaming of being a police officer captures his sense of adventure. When Make-A-Wish supporters made it possible for Bennett to have a wish granted, it was no surprise that this brave and spunky kid would have a daring and adventurous day and inspire a community along the way. 

On the blustery winter morning, Bennett stood in a custom police uniform and was officially sworn in as a police officer with the Mauldin Police Department. He held a press conference and saw a K9 officer training demonstration as well as a SWAT team demonstration. He was all smiles when he was able to pet the K9, Maverick, and was able to try on a real SWAT team helmet! But shortly after that, uh oh! A call on the radio alerted Officer Bennett that there had been a robbery! Officer Bennett hopped in a patrol car alongside Chief Miller and zoomed over to the store that had been burgled. After reviewing surveillance footage and discovering clues, he left in pursuit of the thief. It wasn't long before Officer Bennett tracked the thief to Sunset Park and caught the thief in front of a crowd amid thunderous applause. Officer Bennett had saved the day! In celebration, Bennett rode in a neighborhood parade with the first responders and then received a key to the city from the Mayor of Mauldin. 

At home that evening Bennett turned to his mom and said, "it was a good day." He has been reliving the day since, telling everyone about how much fun he had and showing them his uniform. 

Bennett’s wish will help him turn anxiety into hope and fear into confidence. When he isn’t feeling well or must undergo a medical procedure, reflecting on his wish and how many people care about him can give him the mental stamina to face his illness. Though Bennett may have more health challenges ahead in life, his wish will also be a source of strength and joy that his family can reflect on fondly. For each person who attended his wish, they will hold that special memory in their hearts forever. After all, there are few experiences more powerful than making a wish come true.