OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — The community feels it when an officer is killed in the line of duty.
"It's hard, we're not used to this," Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden said. "I don't think anyone gets used to this."
They ride together in formation and Oliver Davis rides with them.
"That was just so sad," said Davis, who's an aspiring officer. "I can't believe that happened."
Fallen Fairway Police Officer Jonah Oswald was a reflection of everything Davis wants to be.
"He (Oswald) died protecting our city so we can be safe," Davis said.
At 12 years old, it's not the flashing lights, the title or the badge.
"When I was 4 or 5, all I wanted for Christmas was a police uniform," Davis said. "They protect people and I wanted to protect people."
Davis also wants to serve his community. He volunteers with local police departments and goes to nursing homes in his police uniform to give every resident a hug.
He's being shown that protection can sometimes mean sacrifice.
"It’s hard," Hayden said. "We’ve lost a few young men in the metro for senseless reasons."
He knows it can mean leaving home one day and not coming back.
"I just want to help people even if that makes me get my life taken away from me," Davis said. "I'll pass away knowing I helped and saved some people."
Still, Davis wears his badge proudly.
"The police officers they are my heroes," he said.
He looks to those who've come before him.
"It's huge," Hayden said. "It's why we do what we do."
Davis waits until one day he gets his turn.
"When I grow up, I want to be a police officer," he said.
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