Damon Cole is a Senior Corporal with the Dallas Police Department, but his dedication to protect and serve doesn’t stop there. Cole is also a member of a group called “Heroes, Cops and Kids”.
Cole explains, “It’s me and four other Dallas police officers. We dress up as superheroes and we go to schools, churches, hospitals, and just interact with the community and kids.”
Above and beyond the call of duty, these officers bring joy and entertainment to people of all ages. As their hero group began getting more attention, Officer Cole became aware of a Facebook page for Bryce Schottel, a seven year old suffering from Cancer.
Cole says, “I saw a post where they were wanting us to take pictures with the Team Bryce logo. The family shows it to him whenever he does chemo, and stuff like that, to pick up his spirits.” This was a small request and the group was happy to honor it. In fact they were so inspired by Shottel, Cole and his group decided to take it a few steps further than just photos.
Cole packed up his super hero cape and drove for eleven hours to Smithton, Illinois, to surprise Bryce. He says, “Bryce’s reaction was priceless. He was smiling ear-to-ear. That was the best feeling ever.” Cole gave the brave patient a ride in his “Superman-mobile” a Superman action figure, along with his very own cape.
The cape is a little big on Schottel but, “It’s very adorable ‘cause it engulfed him,” Cole adds. Besides the sweet gifts and fun ride in the sports car, there were more surprises in store for the seven year old. Cole whispered to him, “you got to make me a promise that you won’t tell anybody, but I’m also Iron Man.” Another dream come true for the patient.
Cole remains very humble in light of his response to Schottel and the many gifts he brought. “You know I’m not rich. I’m not famous. I’m really a nobody. Just another police officer. That’s my little way of contributing to do something for people ’cause I would want someone to do it for my family or daughter if they were in Bryce’s shoes. It’s the least I could do.”
A super-cop with a super-heart.